In a world marked by ever-increasing interconnectedness, the pursuit of social justice has become a guiding principle for global progress. As we celebrate World Day of Social Justice on 20 February, we reflect on its historical significance and the ongoing efforts to promote fairness, equality, and dignity for all.

History of World Day of Social Justice

The journey towards emphasising social justice in international discourse can be traced back to 2008. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) unanimously adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation on 10 June 2008. Outlining the ILO’s mandate and goals, the Declaration:

• affirms that labour is not a commodity and that poverty anywhere constitutes a danger to prosperity everywhere
• recognises that the ILO has the solemn obligation to further among the nations of the world programmes which will achieve the objectives of full employment and the raising of standards of living, a minimum living wage and the extension of social security measures to provide a basic income to all in need
• provides the ILO with the responsibility to examine and consider all international economic and financial policies in the light of the fundamental objective of social justice.

The goals of the ILO and World Day of Social Justice recognise the inseparable link between social development, peace and security. Globalisation offers many benefits but also poses significant challenges: poverty, exclusion, and insecurity persist, underscoring the urgent need for concerted action to advance social justice on a global scale.

The ILO Declaration states:

“Recognising that achieving an improved and fair outcome for all has become even more necessary in these circumstances to meet the universal aspiration for social justice, to reach full employment, to ensure the sustainability of open societies and the global economy, to achieve social cohesion and to combat poverty and rising inequalities.”

Momentum is growing for the idea that social justice should serve as the cornerstone of national and international policy agendas. Advocates argue that prioritising social justice fosters cohesive societies and robust economies. Central to this approach is the promotion of decent work, fundamental rights, employment opportunities, and social protections for all members of society.

SPF and Social Justice in Victoria

Victoria’s Social Procurement Framework and Fair Jobs code prioritise Social Justice, through encouraging Victorian Government departments to invest in social and sustainable outcomes:

• Victoria’s Fair Jobs Code allows the Victorian Government to use its purchasing power to put workers first, promote fair labour standards and encourage compliance with health and safety obligations.
• Victoria’s Social Procurement Framework aims to ensure value-for-money considerations and encompass opportunities to deliver social and sustainable outcomes that benefit the Victorian Community.

Victoria’s Social Procurement Framework (SPF) annual report for 2021-22 (released October 2023) reports achievements since the launch of the SPF in 2018:

• $105.7 million invested with certified Victorian Aboriginal businesses and other Aboriginal organisations
• $56.4 million invested with certified Victorian social enterprises.

Achievements during the reporting period include:

• $6 million investment with 40 Disability Enterprises or social enterprises led by a mission for people with disability.

“The Victorian Government continues to work hard to embed the Framework into the hearts and minds of all Victorian public servants procuring goods, services, and construction.”

The Victorian Government is seeking to embed the SPF into the culture of the procurement community. Victorian Government procurement specialists have a role to play in creating social and environmental value through the adoption of targeted strategies and by supporting the engagement of the SPF.

As we commemorate World Day of Social Justice, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive world. It's a day to recognise the progress we've made while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. World Day of Social Justice serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness, equality, and human dignity.

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Image: Shutterstock

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A participant in the UN Global Compact, CourtHeath seeks to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of the Global Compact with business and government organisations in Victoria.

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