February 20, 2012

Back in December, James Anaya, a United Nations (UN) official, blasted the Canadian government over the housing crisis in Attawapiskat. In a statement on the UN's website, Mr. Anaya said "the social and economic situation of the Attawapiskat seems to represent the condition of many First Nation communities living on reserves throughout Canada". A spokesman for Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan fired back, saying the UN statement "lacks credibility"; NDP MP Charlie Angus responded that "Canada's credibility is on the line".

Wherever you stand on Attawapiskat, today is a good opportunity to consider the current state of social justice and equal access to rights and services in Canada: it's the fourth annual UN World Day of Social Justice. The Day was created by the United Nations (UN) to focus on how social justice - the promotion of equal rights for all citizens in a society - can help eradicate poverty, create full employment, and encourage social integration.

The UN chose February 20 as the date for the World Day of Social Justice in 2007, with the first actual event happening in 2009. Today is an opportunity for governments and citizens around the world to consider the ways we can remove barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.

Related stories on Strombo.com:

INFOGRAPHIC: Where Do We Rank on Social Justice?

HAITI: Olivia Wilde On The Humanitarian Impulse

Sources:

The Globe and Mail on the UN Statement on Attawapiskat

The UN's World Day of Social Justice Facebook Page