Registered Employment is the way to maintain Social Justice

Cyprus International University (CIU) , Dean of Faculty of Law Prof. Dr. Hasan Tunç reported on the occasion of February 20th World Social Justice Day that since 2009 the United Nations (UN) has accepted it as a day to raise awareness.  The recognition of the day aims to pull the attention to unemployment and poverty in the world,  and as an occasion to organize some events to find solutions to these problems.

Tunç stated that every year the UN determines a special theme for this day.  The theme determined for 2022 is “registered employment as a means to provide social justice.”

Due to the Pandemic, Tunç said unregistered workers and their families have been encountering more difficulty than ever in accessing social justice. Unregistered workers not only earn less compared to other workers but also cannot access the rights and services because of their social security and employment status.

Tunç emphasized that it was not a person’s own choice to work as unregistered worker, but that this problem is mostly caused by the lack of opportunities in normal market conditions, and also the limitations in accessing information and opportunities.

The Pandemic has led to many changes that impacted work and economic life negatively. This situation created an environment where many businesses  stopped functioning as registered work places.

The institutions and organizations that are charged with supervising duties should act proactively so that  individuals can benefit from the rights and freedoms and related social services at a maximum level. “Moreover, alternative education and social programs should be designed to facilitate the process of registering informal economy.”

Tunç stated that it is mandatory to implement employment and development approaches that consider all conditions, including the pandemic, in order for those in need of social security to live in a dignified manner and also benefit from the  assurances they are entitled to.

Tunç pointed out that the Social State Principle, a Constitutional principle, also imposes positive  responsibilities on states. In conclusion, Tunç said, ”it is one of the legal duties of states to make positive discrimination on behalf of disadvantaged groups and to take measures to eliminate their grievances.”