Social Justice Network

The Social Justice Network was formed in 2008. It functions as an informal forum for discussion and debate among individuals and organisations working in practice to promote social justice.

This Network shares a belief in the fundamental significance of the practical achievement of social justice. We believe that the current context provides an opportunity for everyone in this society to shape the future direction of law, policy and practice. The new institutional arrangements, with enhanced democratic control and accountability, offer the possibility of transforming public policy and practice to promote a positive vision of the sort of society we wish to create.

We participate in this Network because we share a common understanding that there is in fact a problem requiring urgent attention. Social and economic disadvantage is a major challenge facing this society. All participants share a common concern about the plight of vulnerable and marginalised individuals and communities.

We acknowledge that the term ‘social justice’ is contested; with meanings which range from modest reform of existing policies, to more radical agendas for social change. At best we believe the concept can provide an agreed basis for concerted and targeted action to achieve meaningful social, political and economic change in Northern Ireland.  

We begin with a shared commitment to the inherent dignity of the human person, linked to our basic belief in the equality of all persons. We stress the protection of those individuals and communities who need practical guarantees and social change the most. Our shared belief is that law, policy and practice in Northern Ireland should be oriented towards the rights and needs of the vulnerable and marginalised. Those needs should be prioritised in any discussions of policy development and practical action. In our view, social justice is today grounded in a collective commitment to human dignity, human rights, equality and the participation of affected individuals and groups.  

We recognise the changed political context. The return of devolved government brings challenges and opportunities. Northern Ireland is still living with the appalling legacy of violent conflict and remains a significantly divided society.

We note that this discussion is taking place in the face of a global economic recession that is placing strain on public finances, and generating insecurity in the community about the future. The risk and fear is that the economic crisis will impact harshly on already vulnerable individuals and communities. We believe that a robust and public defence of social justice is needed; now more than ever.

SJN Pre-Election Statement: Issued Monday 25th April

The Social Justice Network is an informal network of individuals and organisations concerned to ensure that poverty is challenged in our society and that the needs of the marginalised and disadvantaged are prioritised in public policy in Northern Ireland. This concern is evidenced in our day-to-day work of assisting those most in need in our society. We are deeply disturbed by the impact of the current economic climate on disadvantaged individuals and communities in this society, and united in our determination to find constructive solutions to promote the common good of all.

We remain convinced that ample evidence exists to demonstrate that much more needs to be done to realise our collective commitment to social justice. As we approach the upcoming Assembly elections we call on all our political parties to endorse a proactive approach to combating poverty and adopt a positive commitment to social justice as the overriding priorities of the government of Northern Ireland for the life of the next Assembly. In particular we call on our political parties to commit to:

·       The principle that social justice should be the cornerstone of the new Programme for Government.

·       Development of a Programme for Government that contains detailed costed proposals on how poverty and social exclusion are to be eradicated.  These proposals must contain key milestones and targets.

The urgency of adopting such a collaborative and inclusive approach is evidenced by the growing problem of specific forms of poverty.  For example, fuel poverty in Northern Ireland is amongst the highest in northern Europe and last year there were 1,000 deaths attributable to cold weather, in addition to over 5,000 individuals admitted to A&E suffering from cold-related illness.  Shockingly, the situation this year is set to get worse as the recently announced 39.1% increase in domestic gas prices will force already vulnerable people into deeper poverty and potential ill-health.  Such a scenario is neither acceptable nor inevitable and we therefore call on our political parties to engage in innovative thinking aimed at securing a more socially just future for all.

Prof. Colin Harvey (Chair, Social Justice Network) and Rev. Dr. Scott Peddie (Chair, Church Action on Poverty NI and member of the SJN)

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