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Social justice

© ILO

What is social justice?

Social justice is the foundation of peaceful societies that are equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. Beyond being a moral imperative, social justice enables societies and economies to function more cohesively and effectively, building trust, enhancing legitimacy, and unlocking productive potential for sustained inclusive growth, peace, and stability.

All human beings, irrespective of race, creed or sex, have the right to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual development in conditions of freedom and dignity, of economic security and equal opportunity.

Declaration of Philadelphia, 1944

This is social justice campaign

The ILO communication campaign “This is social justice” features a series of short videos that highlight the transformative power of social justice in the lives of women and men around the world.

Digital tools boost ancestral craft and livelihoods
This is social justice Colombia video thum

Colombia

Digital tools boost ancestral craft and livelihoods

People with autism also deserve decent work
A young employee stands behind the bar counter, smiling

Dominican Republic

People with autism also deserve decent work

From child labourer to skills trainer

Philippines

From child labourer to skills trainer

Employment training creates inclusive green jobs
Alaa Mhairat

Jordan

Employment training creates inclusive green jobs

Dignity and empowerment through salaried employment
Langanani Moleya

South Africa

Dignity and empowerment through salaried employment

Balancing work and being a mum boost equality and social justice
Holding a job at a mobile network operator and being a mum of two young daughters was hard for Natalia Cebanu

Moldova

Balancing work and being a mum boost equality and social justice

Floating agriculture allows farmers to invest in sustainable crops
Shakti Kirtauniyya

Bangladesh

Floating agriculture allows farmers to invest in sustainable crops

From working in the informal economy to union leader
Jani Cleide da Silva once made a living in the informal economy, but she is now a union leader and a social worker at a sports centre in Brazil.

Brazil

From working in the informal economy to union leader

Building a business through decent jobs and social justice
Gjergj Leqejza stands next to the production machines in his textile company.

Albania

Building a business through decent jobs and social justice

Cooperation for social justice

Second World Summit for Social Development
Second World Summit for Social Development logo white

Doha, 4-6 November 2025

Second World Summit for Social Development

Global Coalition for Social Justice
Global Coalition for Social Justice card

Partnership

Global Coalition for Social Justice

Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions
Global Accelerator logo

Cooperation

Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions