Justice Each and Every day

At its sixty-second session, in November 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations, 192 member states, voted unanimously to declare February 20th as World Day of Social Justice. The day was designated to be observed for the first time in 2009. This declaration is certainly linked to our charism which states, “a special concern for the poor and disadvantaged”, both collectively and individually.

Two streams of justice were focussed upon: standing up for human rights and government accountability.

The General Assembly acknowledged that, “The observance of the day should contribute to the further consolidation of the efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.”

Note the emphasis on a just society for all people, fair wages, access to resources for everyone. This is the social justice that the member states agreed to. What is our government doing in this area?

And where are we in all of this?

What are we doing in the face of the global crises? And what are we doing concerning the injustices in our own “back yard”? Do we daily think about the poor who are suffering? Do you know what the basic human needs are? food, water, health care, decent housing, etc. Who are the deprived?

Social justice should be in our awareness and action each and every day and not only once a year.

“Justice and peace shall embrace.”
If you want peace, work for justice.

What do you think?

Sr. Monique Thériault s.n.j.m.

Translation: Sr. Pat O'Neill s.n.j.m.