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“Achieving Social Protection for All”: UN World Day of Social Justice February 15th, 2011
“Social justice is more than an ethical imperative, it is a foundation for national stability and global prosperity. Equal opportunity, solidarity and respect for human rights — these are essential to unlocking the full productive potential of nations and peoples..”Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the 2011 World Day of Social Justice
20 February 2011
In November 2007, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution 62/10 proclaiming 20 February as the World Day of Social Justice. The resolution calls on Member States to devote the day to the promotion of concrete activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development which was held in Copenhagen in 1995.
The pursuit of social justice for all is at the heart of the United Nations’ mission to promote development and human dignity. It is based on the principles of fairness, equality, respect for diversity, access to social protection, and the application of human rights in all spheres of life. For a large portion of the world’s people, however, social justice remains, as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has noted, an “elusive dream”.
Presently, 80% of the global population does not enjoy a set of social guarantees that allow them to deal with life’s risks. Ensuring basic social protection for these people, many of whom are struggling just to survive, is a necessity. The notion of a Social Protection Floor is very clear: No one should live below a certain income level and everyone should be able to access at least basic health services, primary education, housing, water and sanitation and other essential services. The United Nations Social Protection Floor Initiative was launched in 2009 as a mechanism to accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and also as an important factor in combating poverty, reducing inequalities and building social inclusion.
…from UN DPI&NGO Relations
New Protections for Migrant Domestic Workers Adopted at the UN December 6th, 2010
A high-level UN body has approved formal jurisprudence that elaborates the rights and practical recommendations for the protection of migrant domestic workers worldwide. In a vote on December 2, the UN Committee on Migrant Workers adopted the guidance in the form of a “General Comment” that interprets the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, one of the nine core international human rights treaties.
According to the International Catholic Migrant Commission (ICMC), “Domestic work accounts for as much as 10% of total employment in some countries, yet almost every country of the world excludes domestic work from its national labour laws and protections. Working in private homes, the workers are almost entirely unseen and unprotected. Estimates suggest that well over half of all domestic workers in many countries are migrant. As noted in the General Comment, “migrant domestic workers are at heightened risk of certain forms of exploitation and abuse.” Women, who are the vast majority of domestic workers worldwide, and child domestic workers are exceptionally vulnerable.”
World AIDS Day: December 1 November 30th, 2010
The global theme for 2009 and 2010 World AIDS Day is “Universal Access and Human Rights”, as chosen by The World AIDS Campaign. Please visit the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance for materials and information related to this day of focus on HIV/AIDS.
The Secretary General of the United Nations has issued a brief statement on the occasion of World AIDS Day. (Download PDF)
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – October 17th October 12th, 2010
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. (Luke 4:18-19)
Worship resources for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17th are available in sixteen languages thanks to the Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, USG/UISG Secretariat in Rome.
The English, Spanish and French versions are available from our site for download:
- Eradication of Poverty Prayer (English)
- Eradication of Poverty Prayer (French)
- Eradication of Poverty Prayer (Spanish)
UN Warns Governments to Respect the Rights of all Migrants October 1st, 2010
The Global Migration Group, which consists of twelve UN agencies, the World Bank and the International Organization for Migration, has a issued a warning to all governments to respect the rights of migrants – especially the millions of undocumented immigrants who are particularly vulnerable to abuse.
The inter-agency statement affirms the duties of governments to control border crossings, but stresses that this must be done in accordance with international human rights law. Global Migration Group is an inter-agency group which aims to promote the wider application of international and regional norms and better coordinated approaches regarding international migration.
Read the U.N statement on the Rights of Migrants (Download PDF)
The Oblate JPIC office welcomes this U.N statement protecting the rights of migrants. The issue of migration is experienced by Missionary Oblates serving around the world. At the local level, each Oblate community and region has developed its own initiatives to respond to migrants. Some of the programs are focused on pastoral care, joining interfaith action to support immigrants and advocacy initiatives.
Issues of migrants are closely monitored by the JPIC office and we engage at various levels to promote their rights. The office continues to engage the issue in the US, by supporting congressional actions for comprehensive immigration reform. At the international level, we encourage corporate initiatives to fight human trafficking and improve the rights of migrant labor in corporate supply chains.
