DEFINITION OF TERMS: https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?

scope=Entries&q=HUMAN+RIGHTS

Justice is the quality of being just or right, as a human or divine attribute; moral
uprightness, just behavior or dealing as a concept or principle.

human rights, n.

Rights possessed by humans; spec. the set of entitlements held to belong to

every person as a condition of being human; (in singular) an entitlement…

social justice, n.
Justice at the level of a society or state as regards the possession of wealth,
commodities, opportunities, and privileges; cf. distributive justice…

HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

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INTRODUCTION
The idea of fair and just interactions between the individual and society is known as social
justice. "Justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society"
is one definition of it. It is a fundamental tenet of prosperous and peaceful cooperation both inside
and between nations. Eliminating obstacles based on a person's gender, age, color, ethnicity,
religion, culture, or disability is also included in this.
On the other hand, human rights are just the privileges that come with being a person.
"Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the
human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world," in accordance to the
Preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Although they are two distinct ideas and
not interchangeable, social justice and human rights are closely related. Economic, social, and
cultural rights including the right to health care, job stability, and education are all included in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As a component of the International Bill of Human Rights,
these rights were added to the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
(ICESCR) in 1966.
The pursuit of social justice on a global scale finds its roots in the realm of international
human rights laws. These laws, enshrined in treaties and conventions, serve as a bedrock for
fostering a world where every individual, regardless of background, enjoys fundamental rights and
freedom delving into the symbiotic relationship between international human rights laws and social
justice, exploring how these legal frameworks contribute to a more equitable and inclusive global
society.
FOUNDATIONS IN THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations
General Assembly in 1948, stands as a seminal document that laid the groundwork for the
subsequent development of international human rights laws. It articulates a comprehensive set of
rights, encompassing civil, political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions. The UDHR's
universality underscores its pivotal role in promoting a vision of social justice that transcends
borders and cultural differences.
INTERDEPENDENCE OF RIGHTS IN COVENANTS
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), together with the UDHR, constitute
the International Bill of Human Rights. These covenants recognize the interdependence and
indivisibility of human rights, challenging the traditional dichotomy between civil and political rights
and economic, social, and cultural rights.
ECONOMIC RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
The ICESCR explicitly recognizes the right to work, just and favorable conditions of
work, the right to social security, and the right to an adequate standard of living. These economic
rights are integral components of social justice, aiming to bridge the gap between the privileged
and the marginalized. By emphasizing the importance of equitable access to employment, fair
working conditions, and social security, these rights contribute to dismantling systemic barriers
that perpetuate social inequality.
ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
International organizations, such as the United Nations and the International Labour
Organization (ILO), play a pivotal role in monitoring and enforcing human rights standards
globally. They act as guardians of social justice by holding states accountable for violations and
spearheading initiatives to address systemic issues. Through collaborative efforts, these
organizations contribute to the development of policies that promote equality, dignity, and justice
on a global scale.
ADVOCACY, AWARENESS, AND SOCIAL CHANGE
International human rights laws serve as powerful tools for advocacy and raising awareness.
Non-governmental organizations, activists, and individuals leverage these legal frameworks to
challenge discriminatory practices, advocate for policy changes, and advance the rights of all
individuals. The ability to appeal to an internationally recognized set of standards amplifies the
voices of those fighting for social justice and facilitates meaningful dialogue on a global stage.
Conclusion
From economic rights to the protection of vulnerable groups, the role of international
organizations, transitional justice, and the power of advocacy, international human rights
laws are critical instruments for building a more equitable and just society. As we navigate
the complexities of a rapidly changing world, the principles embedded in these laws continue
to be indispensable guides in the pursuit of social justice for all.
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What Does Social Justice Mean?

Justice is the concept of fairness. Social justice is fairness as it manifests in
society. That includes fairness in healthcare, employment, housing, and more. In a
socially-just society, human rights are respected, and discrimination is not allowed
to flourish. What’s the origin of the phrase “social justice?” It was most likely first
used in the 1780s and appears in Paper #7 of The Federalist Papers. As the
Industrial Revolution wound down, American legal scholars applied the term to
economics. Today, its use has expanded significantly and applies to all parts of
society. It’s seen through the lens of traits like race, class, sexuality, and gender.
What does social justice look like?00:1300:
The principles of social justice
For social justice to become a reality, four pillars must be built: human rights,
access, participation, and equity. Social justice can’t be achieved without these
four principles.

Human rights
The connection between social justice and human rights has strengthened over the years to
the point where many use “social justice” and “human rights” interchangeably. While they are
technically different, it’s clear to activists that one can’t thrive without the other. When a
society is just, it protects and respects everyone’s human rights. When a society respects
and promotes human rights, social justice flourishes. This connection is essential because
human rights are recognized globally. When activists fight for social justice, they can lean on
the connection with human rights to hold governments, corporations, and individuals
accountable.

Access
A just society depends on access to essentials like shelter, food, medical care, and
education. It isn’t enough for a society to invest in innovations or create new opportunities;
society must also prioritize access. If access is restricted based on factors like gender, race,
or class, it leads to suffering for individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Social
justice activists spend a lot of time working to restore and increase access for everyone and
not just a few select groups.

Participation
Who gets to have a say in society? Social justice isn’t possible if only a few voices are
respected. Unfortunately, the voices of the marginalized and vulnerable are often silenced in
favor of those with more wealth, cultural influence, and political power. This is even the case
when people have good intentions and want to address major societal problems. If the voices
of those most affected aren’t heard, solutions are likely to fail or possibly make things worse.
Participation must be promoted, encouraged, and rewarded so everyone – especially those
who haven’t had a chance to participate before – can speak.
Equity
Many people believe “equality” is one of the principles of social justice, but it’s actually
“equity.” What’s the difference? Equity takes into account the effects of discrimination and
aims for an equal outcome. There’s an often-cited and adapted graphic (originally created by
business professor Craig Froehle) which demonstrates this clearly and simply: three people
are trying to watch a baseball game over a fence. All of them stand on a box. One can easily
see the field, while the other can just barely see, while the last person is still unable to watch.
“Equality” has given everyone just one box to stand on, even though the tallest person
doesn’t need a box and one box doesn’t allow the shortest person to see. “Equity” gives the
tallest person’s box to the shortest person, allowing them to see. Now, everyone can watch
the game.

Examples of social justice issues

When the four principles we discussed above are prioritized, a socially-just society is
possible. Where do these principles need to be applied? Depending on the place,
some social justice issues are more pressing than others. That said, most societies struggle
with similar issues. Here are three examples:
Racial inequality
Racial inequality is one of the most common social justice issues in the world. Most nations
have a history of racial discrimination and prejudice of some kind. As an example, the legacy
of slavery and Jim Crow persists in the United States. Racial inequality affects a racial
group’s ability to find work, get access to healthcare, and receive an equal education.
Because race is not a biological reality, but rather a social and political construct with real
consequences, progress takes social and political solutions.

Gender inequality
The way things stand, it will take 135 years for global gender equality to become a reality.
Obstacles like the gender pay gap, weakening reproductive rights, and unequal education
opportunities hold women back. The Covid-19 pandemic also erased a lot of progress as its
impact on work and household responsibilities hit women harder. Social justice activists
consider gender equality, which intersects with other issues like racial and sexual equality,
one of the most important social justice issues of our time.