Day of fighting Injustice

               Last Wednesday, 23rd of August was celebrated in Brazil, the day of fighting injustice. We all must defend justice, because when there is some injustice happening for so many years, a dangerous precedent can happen, destroying democracy and the fundamental feeling of justice of the people. So, the public trust in our institutions is severely harmed. Consequently, the people start asking if they are worth so many taxes. Besides, when there is not justice, the abuses tend to grow and to spread. I have been fighting for justice, democracy and human rights for so many years and intend keep this work for many more years ahead. I'll never give up to make Brazil a better country, more democratic, fairer, and where human rights are truly respected. This post is a summary of four articles. The first was published in August of 2017 at  http://www.paraiba.com.br/2017/08/23/82297-23-de-agosto-dia-de-combate-a-injustica-o-que-e-justo-ou-injusto-perante-a-lei. The second was published at   http://culturesofresistance.org/get-involved.  The third post was published at http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/address-injustice. The fourth was published at http://clairification.com/2015/10/15/its-blog-action-day-raise-your-voice-against-injustice/

                  Did you know that 23rd is the day of fighting injustice? The date is a good time to discuss what is in fact fair and unjust before the law. Whenever we see someone going through a situation that seems unjustified, we call it injustice. But is it also the case in legislation? What is injustice, anyway? With regard to the decision handed down by the judiciary, the definition of the concept of what is fair or not, can be controversial. This is because its meaning is constantly changing according to the principles of society. This problem mainly affects countries that adopt Civil Law, such as Brazil. some time ago, the functioning of the Judiciary followed the principles of logical positivism. According to this current of thought, the just is only achieved through the proper application of the legal norm. In that sense, it does not matter whether a particular precept is considered good or bad. When its approval is supported by the Legal Order it means that justice is being done. Injustice, therefore, would be the opposite process. Lately, the Judiciary has been focused on human relations and entering a phase that many call post-positivism, especially in what concerns social rights. In this context, injustice gains more from the lack of balance in the relations between individuals belonging to different classes and groups. As an opposing concept of justice, which is the pursuit of the common good, injustice would be the benefit of some achieved through the harm of others. Following this sense, injustice can be present in any social context in which the values and principles are disregarded. It can be present quite obvious and noticeable and sometimes, discreetly. Whenever an individual disrespects or does not recognize the rights of others, he is not practicing justice.

                 The challenges of injustice in the world can often seem overwhelming. Although many of us would like to take part in promoting positive change, it can be difficult to find good information and know how we can effectively contribute. That is why we decided to find inspiring forms of creative resistence, doing so, we have forged bonds with a broad array of cutting-edge organizers. You can check out the opportunities listed below. These groups are working day in, day out to combat injustice and demand human rights around the world. Safeguard Leading Activists Working For a New Latin America: If you are moved by the struggle against militarization and for democracy in Latin America, there are a number of serious ways to get involved. If you are concerned about increasing violence against journalists and human rights defenders, the Friendship Office of the Americas offers similar accompaniment opportunities. Fight for Indigenous Rights in Brazil:   Brazil is a focal point for battles over indigenous rights to land and water. These rights are consistently threatened by majot infrastructure  and agriculture projects, as well as heavy industry carried out by large firms. Raise Awareness about Contemporary Slavery:  Although we think of slavery as a thing of the past, the truth is that millions remain enslaved throughout the world. Today, activists are playing a key role in working to stop modern-day slavery. You can become a campus activist and assist by organizing speaking events featuring international activists or former victims or you can also go into the national effort to lobby against slavery and link you with other activists to a broader movement.

                While it is difficult to give a complete and adequate definition of justice, most observers can recognize clear examples of serious injustice when they arise. Such injustice comes in various forms. In somes cases, these unfair conditions are imposed, whether it is an authoritarian government or an outside aggressor. Those in power sometimes use the state's  systems to violate the political and economic rights of subordinate groups. Political injustice involves the violation of individual liberties, including infringements on rights to freedom of speech. This sort of injustice can contribute to serious social problems as well as political ones. Economic injustice involves the state's failure to provide individuals with basic necessities of life. Many scholars and activists note that in order to truly address injustice, we must strive to understand its underlying causes. Indeed, the roots of repression, discrimination and other injustice stem from deeper and complex political and social problems. It is only by understanding and ameliorating these roots causes and strengthening civil society that we can truly protect human rights. Addressing political injustice is often a matter of developing institutions of fair governance, such as an accountable judiciary. Severe violations of basic rights are sometimes enacted through government policies or inflicted during the course of warfare. It is commonly recognized that government leaders and soldiers, as well as civilians, must be held accountable for perpetrating such injustices. Some maintain that the vigilant observance of the international community is necessary to ensure justice. Various NGOs including Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists, are devoted to bringing injustice to light and pressure governments to address the injustice. Historically, The U.N. has likewise played a central role in dealing with international justice issues. Restorative Justice is concerned with healing wounds of victims and repairing harm done to interpersonal relationships and the community. It can play a crucial role in responding to severe human rights violations. Restoration often becomes a matter of restitution or reparations, some type of compensation package can help to meet the material and emotional needs of victims and remedy the injustice. Many notes that an adequate response to injustice must involve democratization and the creation of institutions of civil society. Only then can the underlying causes of injustice be remedied.

                    Blog Action Day 2015 theme "Raise your Voice" celebrates those who raise their voices to make the world a more just place. Let is raise our voices to defend their right to raise theirs. In safety. There are always wrongs that need righting. It can seem hopeless. But it is not. And lives have been made better. In large part, because of the compassionate work done through civil society, the social sector and citizens working together to right the ship. This year's Action Day theme is the mother of all issues: the right and the moral imperative, to raise your voice to speak out about any of the many injustices we see all around us. To shine a light on wrongs that must be righted, without fear of retribution. To look evil in the eye, rather than look away. To bring hope in the darkness, so that there will be light. This is a fight that must be won battle by battle. And the war is still raging. Even in the U.S. where freedom of speech is a guaranteed constitutional right, speaking out requires immense courage and can come at great personal sacrifice. We take it for granted. But we do so at our peril. Because even with this right, speaking out can mean censorship, threats, violence and encarceration. In many countries of the world it can mean death. We raise our voices to defend the rights of those who have been attacked to raise theirs. Because when we look the other way, nothing changes. Supression of free speech is everywhere. It is not just happening in the third world. And even when it is happening far from our shores, the digital revolution means that we have to see it. To see injustice and ignore it is how evil triumphs. Raise your voice for justice. What do you want? You want to shine a light somewhere to make the world less out of whack? You want to make the world a more caring and harmonious place? If, you said yes, you can do many things to help, such as: you can have a blog,  post on social media, join online groups, sign petitions, write to your congressman, donate to a cause in which you believe, exercise your opportunity to vote. Let is resolve, together, to do many things to get into the practice of rebalancing.