That the Parliament recognises that World Social Justice Day, observed annually on 20 February, aims to promote equality, fairness and human rights for all, regardless of gender, race, nationality, disability or social status; understands that, in 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared World Social Justice Day, starting from the 63rd session, to be celebrated every year to contribute to the international community's efforts in poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social wellbeing and justice for all; acknowledges 2025’s theme, "Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future", and calls for the support of policies and strategies that foster sustainable development, economic growth and job opportunities, particularly for marginalised or disadvantaged communities across the North East Scotland region; notes what it sees as the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament to recognise the impact of the oil and gas industry, particularly in the north east, and to ensure that workers impacted by the decline of this sector are provided with retraining opportunities and access to work and sustainable opportunities that promote both economic and environmental development, and addresses any disparities between urban and rural communities, particularly in Aberdeenshire and Angus, with a focus on improving access to essential services such as healthcare, education and social support systems, ensuring equitable service provision across the region; highlights the reported ongoing challenges of multiple deprivation, particularly in Dundee, where communities continue to face high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality, and calls for targeted measures to support job creation, improved access to education and healthcare, and the implementation of social programmes that tackle the root causes of deprivation and promote inclusion.
Supported by:
Ariane Burgess, Stephanie Callaghan, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Mackay