Agenda - 02-12-2008-e - Laserfiche WebLink

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No one has provided a simple definition for social justice — its boundaries, scope, and purpose - at least one that most social scientists, politicians, or social justice advocates agree. A major obstacle to developing a precise and universally acceptable definition arises in part to the all- encompassing scope of equal access and equal treatment. From this perspective, social justice-could be both a process and a goal. It includes a vision of a society that is equitable and all members are physically and psychologically safe. The aim of social justice is full and equal participation of all groups in a society designed and mutually shaped to meet their needs. The enclosed report proposes to achieve social justice in Orange County, the County shall perform government duties including policy making and budgeting with the express objectives of eliminating oppression and creating equal opportunity; creating a community where individuals may sufficiently provide for their own physical, social, and mental needs and the needs of their dependents; and to provide safety net mechanisms for those, whom for circumstances beyond their control, find themselves unable to do so; creating a community where no groups are targeted for harassment, intimidation or violence; balancing a healthful environment with a sustainable economy; and encouraging and enabling all residents to participate civically. The proposed recommendations require collaborative efforts at all levels of government, tax dollars, and personal and collective commitment to the ideology of equal access and equal treatment. In reaching consensus to forward the enclosed report to the BOCC, the HRC, as has others who cogitate the issue of social justice, engaged in lively discussion and voiced diverse opinions and perspectives. The HRC was given opportunity to submit comments and/or questions regarding the report to staff. The comments and/or questions submitted and staff's responses are available for review. The government of the United States is a State Party to two international human rights treaties: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR) and the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). Ratification of the CCPR and CERD means that the government is legally obliged to enforce these treaties by respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights they cover; this includes passing relevant domestic laws and regulations. A key concept in both conventions is the principle of non- discrimination, which means that every person is entitled to the rights covered by the treaties without distinctions of any kind such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. If the BOCC adopts a social justice goal for Orange County, the BOCC's action would be an expression of local-level implementation of the two treaties endorsed by the federal government. .. , ii ... Memo of Transmittal. , .