Why in news?
The International Labour Organization (ILO) released its “State of Social Justice 2025” report ahead of World Day of Social Justice. The report assesses progress since the 1995 World Summit on Social Development and offers policy recommendations for a fairer world.
What is social justice?
Social justice means ensuring equal rights, opportunities and dignity for all people. According to the ILO, it rests on four pillars: promoting decent work and employment, extending social protection, guaranteeing fundamental principles and rights at work, and facilitating social dialogue between workers, employers and governments.
Global progress
- Reduction in poverty: Extreme poverty has fallen significantly since the mid‑1990s. Child labour and working poverty have also declined.
- Longer lives and better education: Rising life expectancy and increased school enrolment reflect gains in health and human development.
- Social protection coverage: More countries are adopting pension schemes, health insurance and unemployment benefits, though coverage remains unequal.
Persistent inequalities
- Wealth concentration: The richest 1 per cent of the world’s population holds a disproportionate share of global wealth, widening the gap between the wealthy and the poor.
- Gender pay gap: Women continue to earn less than men for similar work. Informal employment dominates in many developing countries, offering little security.
- Location bias: Rural areas lag in access to education, healthcare and jobs compared with cities. Conflicts, disasters and climate change push many into precarious work.
- Trust deficit: Public trust in institutions has eroded due to corruption, inequality and lack of representation. Social cohesion is under strain.
India’s situation
India has reduced extreme poverty and expanded welfare programmes such as free food grains, direct benefit transfers and health insurance. However challenges remain: high informal employment, low female labour force participation and regional disparities. Social protection schemes do not cover many migrant and gig workers.
Recommendations from the report
- Embed social justice considerations into all public policies, including budgeting and economic planning.
- Invest in education, healthcare and social infrastructure to enhance productivity and resilience.
- Strengthen labour rights and extend social protection to informal and gig workers.
- Promote fair and green transitions to prepare societies for climate change and technological disruption.
- Foster international cooperation and solidarity to address global inequalities and crises.