Social and economic disturbances caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the growth of existing and the emergence of new inequalities in societies around the world, says Commissioner for Protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic, on the occasion of World Day of Social Justice.
Commissioner points out that the measures taken by the Government of the Republic of Serbia aimed to preserve our economy and reduce the negative consequences of the pandemic are extremely important for preventing the increase of social inequalities. Jankovic reminds of how important is that activities and measures in the next period should be focused on the most endangered members of our society.
The accelerated transition to online activities, until recently common for employees in IT, has become the dominant form of operation not only in business, but also in education, communication and various types of services and has shown a growing digital gap between generations and areas of work. Society is increasingly divided into those who are digitally literate and have the appropriate infrastructure, equipment and space at their disposal, and others who don’t have these facilities of don’t know their way in digital environment. Our activities should be aimed at preventing marginalization and reducing the risk of poverty not only of certain categories of employees, whose knowledge and skills have become much less needed, but also children from poorer families without adequate access to online education, residents of rural areas without internet, the elderly, people with disabilities and members of other vulnerable social groups, Commissioner Janković points out. These examples already show how many challenges the “new normality” brings in the old struggle to create an equal society, says Commissioner.
The consequences of a pandemic are numerous and can last for decades. Existing divisions are deepening, the right to equal chances is reduced for ordinary people, and new distances and closeness are appearing among people. In order to overcome the new problems faster, we need a joint action of all relevant actors and the principles of social justice and equality must be applied in the process of adopting new economic, political and social policies, concludes Commissioner Jankovic.
