February 20th is World Day of Social Justice, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. This celebration underlines the essential role of social justice in building equitable societies and in promoting sustainable development and peace globally.
The notion of social justice is profound and extends throughout history, finding its roots in ancient Greece. Plato, in his dialogues, already considered justice as the virtue of assigning to each person what is due to them. This idea transformed during the Middle Ages into a principle of equality before the law and expanded during the 18th century with the Enlightenment, which advocated for equal rights and opportunities for all. The 20th century marked a significant turning point, when social justice became a cornerstone of social and political movements, advocating for equal rights across genders, races, ethnicities, and occupational classes.
The cornerstone of these efforts is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Ratified in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly, this document proclaims the inalienable rights of every person, without distinction of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or social status, and remains a constant reminder of the path we still have to travel toward equality and justice for all.
Why is it important to defend social justice?
Social justice encompasses a wide range of essential rights, including, but not limited to, the right to life, liberty, personal security, access to education and health care, fair employment opportunities, adequate housing, and the ability to participate fully in political life.
To move towards a more just society, actions such as the following should be prioritized:
– To ensure equal rights and opportunities for all people, without exception.
– To combat and eradicate poverty and inequality in all its forms.
– To protect the human rights of every individual.
– To promote sustainable development, ensuring that the needs of the present do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
– To promote world peace and security, understanding that these are indispensable requirements for social and economic progress.
By placing these principles at the heart of international and regional political agendas, the foundations are laid for a society in which every person can live with dignity and justice. In Cuba, however, the reality is disheartening. Insecurity and precarious employment are deeply entrenched problems, and profound social and economic inequality is evident, exacerbated by a political crisis that directly impacts the protection of fundamental human rights.
In a Analysis conducted by Cubalex Between October 2022 and September 2023, ten recurring patterns emerged that demonstrate the systematic restriction of fundamental freedoms. Citizens routinely face significant obstacles in accessing basic services such as healthcare, food, and decent housing, as well as in obtaining fair employment and exercising their right to active participation in the country's political life.
Contrary to the image of social justice that the Cuban government attempts to project internationally, the reality in the country raises serious concerns and shows few signs of imminent improvement. The prolonged economic crisis and repressive state practices, along with increased levels of violence and insecurity and a constant flow of migrants, further weaken society. These factors point to a possible increase in social instability and a progressive deterioration in the living conditions of the Cuban population.
What can we do in this situation?
Faced with this challenging reality, we find ourselves at a crossroads that calls us to action and commitment. It is imperative that we educate ourselves about the protection of human rights and the principles of social justice, so that we may better understand the magnitude of their impact on society. Actively participating in initiatives that promote equity and social justice is one way to contribute to the transformation we long for. Supporting organizations committed to the active defense of human rights is also a way to reinforce the sense of justice that societies need today. May this day inspire us to renew our commitment to building a more inclusive society and to take concrete steps toward establishing a true rule of law in Cuba, where justice and human dignity do not have to be defended.