بيانات صحفية

17 أيلول/سبتمبر 2014

Tunis

Ministerial Session Gathers Eminent Thinkers, Discusses Social Justice and the New Development Approach

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Eminent Arab thinkers met today, at the 28th ministerial session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), held in Tunis, to discuss the theme “Social justice in the policies of Arab States”. The first ministerial panel tackled the topic “Social justice and the new development approach”, discussing the absence of consensus over the definition of social justice and social protection; and the importance of social, economic and political participation as tools for achieving social justice. Various issues were covered, most importantly: how to build consensus on social justice in the Arab region; how member States can guarantee universal access to social protection; and what institutional set-ups could effectively involve all citizens in development, social and economic policy decisions. The first ministerial panel noted that social justice was not a novel concept in the region, but a long-standing belief firmly anchored in Arab-Islamic culture that revolved around three basic elements: freedom of conscience; complete equality of all humans; and interdependence among members of society. It is a complex, abstract and normative concept, making consensus on its definition hard to achieve. For some, social justice means the fair redistribution of goods and services; for others, it entails equality and respect for human rights. Adding to the confusion are the several schools of thought with different perspectives on the issue. The discussion also underlined the role of social protection schemes in limiting inequality, by helping people secure their economic and social rights. In Arab countries, the delivery of social protection services has been fragmented and project-oriented, assuming that improved services to the poor are best provided locally with the support of charities and other civil society organizations, while insufficiently addressing the root causes of inequality and poverty. Participation in the context of social justice was also among the issues discussed by the panel, which entails involving people in decisions that affect their lives. The rationale behind public participation is twofold: achieving better distributive outcomes; and strengthening democracy. Participation shifts existing power relationships, as the traditionally weak and marginalized move into stronger positions. Over the past four years, social movements have demonstrated the importance of participation, demanding the revision of prevailing social contracts; the formulation of a socially just development paradigm that includes institutionalized participation; and the enhancement of equality, equity and rights. Civil society organizations remain key drivers of participation, acting as mediators between Governments and citizens, expressing people's demands and aspirations. The lack of consensus over the issue of social justice in the Arab region cannot be resolved without vast and substantive citizen participation in policymaking. Social justice cannot be reduced to a policy decision or treated as a transitory project. It requires rethinking existing participation means and devising new ones to make social justice a reality for all. **** For more information, please visit: http://www.escwa.un.org/about/gov/sessions/maine.asp?lang=e&ID=173 Or contact: ESCWA Communication and Information Unit (ECIU): +961-70-993144/76-046402/ 03-910 930 dargham@un.org, abi-zaki@un.org, sleiman2@un.org, escwa-ciu@un.org United Nations Information Centre-Tunis: +216-71902203/71906615 +216-22-487247/+216-20-300110 kaouther.bizani@unic.org, bizani@un.org, samia.sfar@unic.org, sfar@un.org
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