NGOs and the Pursuit of Social Justice: Addressing Systemic Racism and Human Rights Issues - Essay Sample

The United States firmly encourages organizations that aid in attaining social justice since it is a prerequisite for the growth of democracy (Currie, 2017). Numerous Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have stepped in to combat discrimination-free government regulation. NGOs play crucial roles in the communities they serve with involvement in education, health care, labor rights, environment, and gender equality. NGOs are powerful tools to achieve social justice, and this enables individuals to be active members of society. Human rights are essential globally, and each individual is entitled to equal rights irrespective of gender, race, class, or ability. Social justice is achievable through community education on human rights. This paper explores how NGOs are involved in promoting social justice. However, achieving civil equality and political equality is not recognizing social justice; thus, attaining social justice is still elusive.

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The entrenched systemic racism encountered by the disadvantaged communities of color is still present in our current system ranging from legal, and economic to the education system—systemic racism confines communities of color in areas of poor infrastructure, and inferior and underfunded programs. The Racial Justice Program (RJP) is a civil society group dedicated to upholding racial equality and fighting racism through community organizing, public education, litigation, and training (Gorski, 2018). The program is widely involved in matters of education, fair lending policy, and other criminal justice systems against racial profiling. The organization is usually involved in court cases of federal and state jurisdiction, which will have a crucial impact on the fight against racial discrimination. The organization works in conjunction with ACLU affiliates in different states, local advocates, and civil rights groups through the lobby of the state and local levels, providing support for local movements. The group’s efforts strive to educate the public and empower the masses on various issues about race and its relation to economic justice, and criminal justice.

In the US, the culture of punishment widely applied is incarceration. The justice system process is done hastily and widely politicized with an assessment formula that does not incorporate evidence during criminal proceedings. The judicial process is costly, and the costs are disproportionate, especially for the poor and people of color. The prisoners are usually detained in inhumane conditions and a threat to their health and safety. Prisoners’ rights to communicate with their communities and practice religion are usually curtailed more than required. The Human Rights Defense Centre (HRDC) advocates for fair treatment for the people incarcerated (Bejko & Dauti, 2018). The organization's jurisdiction is the federal prisons, local jails, juvenile facilities, and military prisons. HRDC is a major champion for prisoners to receive publications from outside sources. The organization ensures that there is transparency and accountability in the prison system. The organization publishes and distributes self-help education material for prisoners, and is involved in litigation processes, media campaigns, and education on matters of prison systems.

Torture is a heinous crime with long-lasting psychological and physical consequences. The prohibition of cruel acts, torture, punishment, and undignified handling is well expressed in the Constitution. Individuals, families, or even communities who have experienced torture find it hard to move on with life after these incidents. Victims only find closure when perpetrators have been brought to justice. The Centre for Victims of Torture (CVT) envisions a world in which cruelty stops happening, and victims are optimistic about a new life. The soaring number of conflicts and torture cases has rendered many people, victims. The institution offers care for torture victims, trains partners, treats victims and promotes civil liberties to end torture.

All parties need to be involved in civil rights activities to achieve equality in the community. Civil rights groups help educate the poor and underprivileged in the community about their rights and freedoms. The Racial Justice Program ensures equal opportunity for people of color in all human aspects and is a positive move toward achieving equality in our society. The Human Rights Defense Centre advocates for humane treatment for the people in prisons, and the Centre for Victims of Torture helping victims return to normal life after traumatic incidences helps promote social justice. Individuals should volunteer to ensure that social justice is realized in their communities and end discrimination. Non-governmental organizations involvement in civil rights activities promotes social justice. However, more needs to be done to promote understanding of human rights, and the attainment of social justice is still elusive.

Many Non-Governmental Organizations have stepped in to combat discrimination-free government regulation. NGOs play crucial roles in the communities they serve with involvement in education, health care, labor rights, environment, and gender equality. NGOs are powerful tools to achieve social justice, and this enables individuals to be active members of society. Human rights are essential globally, and each individual is entitled to equal rights irrespective of gender, race, class, or ability. Social justice is achievable through community education on human rights. The entrenched systemic racism encountered by the disadvantaged communities of color is still present in our current system ranging from legal, and economic to the education system—systemic racism confines communities of color in areas of poor infrastructure, and inferior and underfunded programs. Racial Justice Program (RJP) is a civil society group dedicated to upholding racial equality and fighting racism through community organizing, public education, litigation, and training.

References

Bejko, E., & Dauti, M. (2018). The politics of evidence-based policymaking in Albania: Implications for human rights advocates. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 4(1), 83-90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-018-0074-3

Currie, E. (2017). Confronting the north’s south: On race and violence in the United States. International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy, 6(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.5204/ijcjsd.v6i1.382

Gorski, P. C. (2018). Fighting racism, battling burnout: causes of activist burnout in US racial justice activists. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 42(5), 667–687. https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2018.1439981