World Day of Social Justice
BASW International Committee Chair, Janet Walker reflects on social work's pivotal role in promoting social and economic equality.
At the core of social work is the commitment to human rights and social justice. Social justice is founded in the fair treatment and equitable status of all individual and social groups within states and society, ensuring collective efforts of fairness, equity, inclusion and self-determination. Social justice has been identified as encompassing both distributive justice, as fair and equitable distribution of social, economic and political benefits and burden, and a ‘just ‘ society, which promotes individual capabilities, freedom of expression and meaningful participation. Social justice is enshrined in our ethical codes, practice standards and in literature, recognising social work as an organised endeavour at working for social justice. Social work therefore has a significant role in promoting social and economic equality through its commitment to social justice and human rights.
The UN World Day of Social Justice purpose is to invite people to raise their voices against social injustice and to promote social justice throughout the world. The underlying principles of social justice are defined as peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations and promotion of human rights worldwide, with elimination of inequalities, including poverty, discrimination, illiteracy, and biases.
Adopted in 1995 at the First World Social Summit, the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action (1995) emphasises the importance of social development and human well-being, recognising the urgent need to address profound social problems affecting all countries particularly concerns for poverty, unemployment and social exclusion. The Second World Summit for Social Development Doha Political Declaration (2025) reaffirms the commitments made in Copenhagen thirty years ago while aligning them with the challenges and the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Key humanitarian organisations emphasise that social justice and development are inseparable from peace, security, and the respect for human rights.
Whilst gains can be identified, entrenched inequalities, distrust of organisations and slow progress in areas, for example, in addressing equal access to opportunities, remains limited. Stark global inequalities endure. Further there is an unfair distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society, creating systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality, with declining levels of trust. We are witnessing unprecedented challenges worldwide, including political crisis, wars and conflicts, economic instability and climate shocks.
The BASW Code of Ethics sets out the key principles of respect for human rights, promotion of social justice and professional integrity. These provide a foundation, and serve as reminder, that positive change happens when people come together with a shared vision of equality and justice, as a pressing concern for a just and inclusive society.
New injustices are emerging, including digital inequalities, environmental injustices and economic injustices. Tackling social injustice requires innovative solutions that combine activism, advocating for policy and practice changes, and embracing inclusive approaches. Building alliances with others, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting sustainable development goals are vital. Now more than ever in a rapidly changing and disrupted world, it is crucial to uphold the core ethics of social work, founded in a community of social workers with a united voice, which are embedded in an unwavering commitment to social justice, human rights, equality and resisting oppression.
