Social Justice and Fundamental Peace

“Peace is not only absence of violence, it is the presence of justice.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Peace is (or it should be) a desirable goal of every person and every country. We simply need it if we want to have economic and social stability. Peace, therefore, should be a primary political objective that responsible leaders and governments should not ignore. No matter where you go, in every corner of this beautiful planet, there are people who will tell you that they want to live in peace and prosperity, and you should believe they aren’t just saying it.

Despite all our flaws and combativeness, peace lies in the heart of humanity. However, peace has its conditions. Unless it doesn’t include social justice, fundamental peace is nothing more than wishful thinking. An equitable (international) order is unattainable without human dignity, non-discrimination, and social justice as prerequisites for sustainable economic and social development.

Where There is No Justice, There Can Be No Peace

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice.” – Martin Luther King

The law of nature teaches us that everyone should do to others what they wish for themselves, and everyone is also required not to do to others what they do not want to be done to them. So, we can conclude that the natural law is the law of humanity and, as such, the basic order of peace between humans. Tomas Aquinas once wrote that justice originates from what applies to everyone, therefore, from nature’s law and our desire to live in peace.

Hence, we can define justice as recognizing the other person’s life and freedom and their right to be treated with humanity and respect. Because each and every one of us possesses dignity, people must never be objectified, enslaved, hurt, discriminated against, or marginalized in words or deeds. Human rights stem from these points of view. In fact, human rights, access, participation, and equity are four essential pillars on which social justice stands. Without them, peace and justice cannot be achieved.

However, justice cannot be obtained by one or few, it requires active participation from us all. We must become a part of social justice movements that aim for fundamental change and give voice to voiceless, oppressed, and marginalized economically, politically, ecologically, and socially. If we truly want peace, then we have to challenge the injustices that rob so many people of the peace they deserve.

Peace is not just the mere absence of conflict, violence, or war, it is an active and collaborative process. It starts and applies to our homes and communities, not just politics. Peace is never automatic, nor is it permanent or self-maintaining, but a long-lasting process of change for the better.

Social Justice and Happiness

_“The cause of justice is the cause of humanity. Its advocates should overflow with universal goodwill. We should love this c

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