UN World Day for Social Justice

Feb 21st, 2025

The UN World Day for Social Justice took place yesterday. CIDSE (an alliance of 18 Catholic aid and development agencies) has sent us the following statement:

UN World Day for Social Justice invites each of us to consider how we can collectively work towards building fair and just societies where peace and well-being are a reality for all.

Recognising the collective responsibility to address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, we, the Directors of CIDSE (the international family of Catholic social justice organisations), urge political, economic, and social leaders to confront the harsh realities of our times and take immediate, bold action.

CIDSE has its origins in the Vatican II Council, and it was during its final session in 1965 that Cardinals Frings, Alfrink, and Suenens, moved by the appeals of bishops from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, came to a consensus to establish a new network of Catholic organisations. These organisations were to be dedicated to the alleviation of hunger and disease, as an expression of the Church's global solidarity. Their vision was one of collaboration, justice, and action. Today, that same vision calls us to urgently address the interconnected crises that affect our common home and the most vulnerable among us.

As we celebrate our 60th anniversary in this Jubilee year of hope, we are reminded of the Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching that have guided our work so far. They continue to inspire a deeper commitment to justice and solidarity, supporting our mission to stand with those most affected by the current interconnected crises.

While it is true that global challenges persist, such as economic systems that prioritise profit over people, and perpetuate cycles of conflict, colonisation, human rights violations and unjust debt, there are also reasons for hope. Despite the shrinking space for civil society and the erosion of democratic processes, the pursuit of justice remains critical but possible.

Encouraging signs are emerging from the Global South, where the communities we work with are demonstrating remarkable resilience. They are lifting themselves out of poverty, building brighter futures, adapting to climate change, and defending their rights. Their spirit and determination in the face of significant challenges due to environmental and financial exploitation are a source of inspiration, encouraging us to stand in solidarity with them. Together, we aim to address systems of oppression and inequality, striving for a socially and ecologically just planet.

In this context, CIDSE has a unique role to continue to play. Through our global network of organisations and communities, we have the capacity to connect with local movements and decision-makers, amplifying unheard voices and ensuring that the struggles of the most vulnerable ones are met with concrete action from the global community.

This year is a decisive moment for collective efforts in the face of interconnected global crises. The anniversary of Laudato Si' and key global events like the UN climate conference in Brazil call us to act. The Paris Agreement must be implemented with stronger national pledges to avert the climate crisis. Similarly, the international community must take decisive steps toward debt justice, a critical issue for the Global South, where debt burdens continue to trap nations in cycles of exploitation, inequality and poverty.

Now is the time for bold, concrete action. For this reason, we urge political leaders, especially in the Global North, to commit to:

- Implementing the Paris Agreement with stronger national pledges to avoid worse climate impacts;
- Relieving the debt of vulnerable countries to free them from financial exploitation and allow them to build sustainable futures;
- Increasing development aid to support climate adaptation and poverty alleviation in the Global South.

On this UN World Day of Social Justice, we urge not just reflection, but immediate, collective action from governments, organisations, and individuals to address these urgent issues.

As we celebrate CIDSE's 60-year legacy, let us take bold steps to ensure justice, peace, and the care of our common home, for this generation and the next ones.

List of signatories:

Lieve Herijgers, Broederlijk Delen, Belgium
Christine Allen, CAFOD, England & Wales
Virginie Amieux, CCFD-Terre Solidaire, France
Josianne Gauthier, CIDSE, International
Heleen Van den Berg, Cordaid, Netherlands
Luke Stocking, Development & Peace, Canada
Axelle Fischer, Entraide et Fraternité, Belgium
Daniel Fiala, eRko, Slovakia
Bernd Nilles, Fastenaktion, Switzerland
Ana Patricia Fonseca, FEC, Portugal
Ivana Borsotto, Focsiv-Volontari nel Mondo, Italy
Anja Appel, KOO, Austria
Ricardo Loy, Manos Unidas, Spain
Susan Gunn, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, USA
Andreas Frick, MISEREOR, Germany
Denise Richard, Partage Lu, Luxembourg
Lorraine Currie, SCIAF, Scotland
Caoimhe de Barra, Trócaire, Ireland
Marc Bollerman, Vastenactie, Netherlands
Mgr. Abba Tesfaselassie Medhin, Eparchy of Adigrat, Ethiopia (CIDSE Spiritual Advisor)