The United Nations assigned the twentieth of February of every year to celebrate the World Day for Social Justice. the UN announced “Bridging the Gap of Inequality to Achieve Social Justice”, as a theme for the celebrations this year. The World Day for Social Justice is celebrated to counter [social] disparities and all forms of inequality and discrimination noting that eliminating discrimination is the basic foundation for achieving the principle of social justice. Social Justice on the other hand which is fundamental in building peaceful coexistence within societies and countries.

It is noteworthy to acknowledge that social justice is directly related to sustainable development and prosperity on one hand, and preserving human dignity on the other, and these are the two key components in sustainable development.

On this occasion, Bahrain Interfaith expresses its belief that implementing social justice in Bahrain is the safe path towards preventing tension and turmoil within society, and [believes] that everyone can contribute to overcome the current crisis, if a practical agreement is reached on programs that could potentially guarantee the implementation of social justice, guaranteeing equal citizenship, and countering all forms of discrimination and hatred.
The government of Bahrain, in particular, is primarily responsible for limiting discrimination and establishing social justice amongst all components of society. In this context, the government is invited to implement the following steps:

– Eliminate all forms of discrimination and inequalities between social components, which exist due to political, sectarian, or ethnic backgrounds, by enacting laws and legislations that criminalize discrimination and [social] disparities of all kinds.
– A full and serious implementation of international covenants and obligations related to ensuring social justice and equality.
– Establish a (National Equal Citizenship Commission), with an active participation of civil society institutions, and competent national figures, where the commission would enjoy the necessary privileges needed to guarantee their commitment to equality, prevention of discrimination, equal opportunity and the establishment of social justice in Bahrain . In addition to issuing a periodic report that would evaluate the performance of State and Non-State organizations in equality rights and present recommendations to assist all parties in guaranteeing equal citizenship.

Bahrain Interfaith
Kingdom of Bahrain – February 20, 2020