On TV news each night, we see images of people demonstrating and campaigning for fairer systems, for justice and equality. There is a global appetite for a fairer world. Who needs us to fight for social justice and how we can make a difference?

Young children living on the streets or in dire poverty in overcrowded slums within sight of shiny 21st century skyscrapers cannot demonstrate. They cannot refuse to pay taxes or start online social media campaigns. They cannot set-up camps outside Government buildings to highlight the injustice of their lives. They need us to raise our voices and do something to help them.

The Hope Foundation runs programmes to build the capacities of individuals and local organisations in Kolkata, India, to be strong advocates for the rights of individuals and communities. HOPE is helping people to gain access to their rights and to be treated equally.

HOPE is educating children to enable them to build sustainable futures for themselves, especially girl children, so they are empowered to grow-up to a life free of poverty, risk and abuse. HOPE is working each day for justice for street and slum children and their families.

On 2012 World Day of Social Justice, Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations said: “Let us work together to balance the global economy and build a new social contract for the 21st century. Let us chart a development path that leads to greater social justice and the future we want.”

Photo: David Lavery