On the occasion of the World Day of Social Justice 2024, political associations called for achieving participation, equality, and improving the lives of citizens in Bahrain.
On the occasion of the World Day of Social Justice, Bahraini political associations called upon the authorities to focus on achieving a state that respects equality, ensures a decent life for all, vigorously combats any forms of discrimination, and effectively fights poverty. They also demanded the protection of citizens’ rights in political participation and the pursuit of building a state based on the values of equality and citizenship.
In their statement on the occasion of the World Day of Social Justice, the associations emphasized the escalating feelings of frustration and rejection towards the living reality faced by wide segments of the Bahraini people.
They pointed out the increasing weakness in salary levels, rising prices, the pressure resulting from tax imposition, the worsening problem of unemployment, and the lack of suitable job opportunities available to Bahraini citizens.
According to data from the General Organization for Social Insurance, political associations affirmed that 44% of citizens enrolled in the insurance system, whether in the private or public sector, receive salaries below 400 Bahraini dinars. This percentage is expected to rise to 77% for citizens receiving salaries below 600 Bahraini dinars.
The associations clarified that 42% of retirees, whether from the public or private sector, receive pensions below 400 Bahraini dinars.
The halt of annual increases for retirees negatively impacted their situation, depriving them of their basic rights and increasing their living burdens, especially with the significant rise in consumer prices without consideration for their economic circumstances.
The statement highlighted the unfairness of the tax system in Bahrain, where a 10% value-added tax is imposed on both the rich and the poor, while ignoring the imposition of taxes on corporate profits and wealth owners. The statement noted that lifting subsidies on basic commodities without exception for low-income groups exacerbates the gap in social justice in Bahrain.
The domination of foreign labor in the job market
“The associations pointed out that the phenomena of corruption and naturalization significantly hinder the achievement of social justice, and that public debt is alarmingly increasing. They emphasized the growing challenges in the demographic structure, with the foreign population reaching around 60%.
Moreover, they noted the dominance of foreign labor in a significant proportion, up to 90%, of new jobs in the economy. They observed that influential groups benefit from the ‘free visa’ phenomenon and the conversion of tourist visas into work visas in the country, exacerbating social problems and hindering efforts to achieve justice and equality in Bahrain.
Furthermore, the statement issued on the occasion of the World Day of Social Justice reaffirmed that the pursuit of social justice is not just a legitimate Islamic or genuine humanitarian goal, but a clear common objective supported by Bahrain’s Constitution, as outlined in Article 3 of Chapter 3 concerning the economic foundations of society in the National Action Charter. Therefore, achieving this goal is a genuine right for every citizen, and it is the duty of the state to commit to it and implement it seriously and resolutely.
In conclusion, the associations reiterated their condemnation of the crimes of Zionist occupation, recalling the suffering of the Palestinian people who endure displacement, oppression, and persecution. They emphasized that the practices of the Zionist entity constitute genocide and systematic displacement crimes, which would not continue without the support and protection of imperial forces, led by the United States and its allies in pro-US regimes.
The associations added in their statement issued on the International Day of Social Justice that ‘the crimes committed by global Zionism remain a witness to a dark era in human history, where the values of justice plummeted to the lowest levels of degradation and barbarism.'”
What associations signed the statement?
- National Assembly
- Progressive platform
- Unionist assembly
- National Unity Rally
- The Arab Islamic community
- Islamic class
- The National Islamic Platform
- National Constitutional Rally
These were the most prominent political statements during International Social Justice Day in Bahrain
On February 20th of each year, the world celebrates the International Day of Social Justice, a global occasion aimed at raising awareness about the importance of social justice and equality for all. These values are essential for building peaceful and prosperous societies, where everyone has equal opportunities to access resources and basic services.
Why do we celebrate World Day of Social Justice?
This day serves as an annual reminder of the challenges facing many social groups, such as poverty, discrimination, and marginalization. It also represents an opportunity for governments, civil society, and individuals to work together towards building more just and inclusive societies.
The importance of social justice:
- Reducing Poverty: Social justice plays a crucial role in poverty reduction by ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for education, employment, and healthcare.
- Promoting Equality: Social justice contributes to promoting equality among all members of society regardless of race, religion, gender, or any other factor.
- Building Peaceful Communities: Social justice helps build more peaceful and stable communities by reducing social injustice and marginalization.
- Achieving Sustainable Development: Social justice is a fundamental element in achieving sustainable development, as it allows everyone to participate in building a better future.
How can we promote social justice?
There are many ways we can promote social justice, here are some examples:
- Supporting organizations that work to promote social justice.
- Volunteering in projects aimed at assisting marginalized groups.
- Raising awareness about the importance of social justice through social media.
- Participating in peaceful protests against social injustice.
- Pressuring governments to enact laws that promote social justice.
The World Day of Social Justice is an opportunity to commit to building more just and inclusive societies. Collective action can bring about positive change in the world and make human dignity a tangible reality for everyone.
source: lualuatv
