“The stability of a society or any group for that matter depends on the extent to which the members of that society feel that they are being treated justly.

John Rawls

To seek and achieve peace without a corresponding attempt or deliberate effort to entrench equity and justice in the fabric of our society is almost an impossible task. Peace and justice go hand in hand; we cannot have one without the other. As observed by Louise Arbour, former President and CEO of International Crisis Group, peace and justice are interdependent. You will agree with me that some of the worst crisis in history were orchestrated by men and women who could no longer tolerate injustice, marginalization, and segregation.

Whenever access to opportunities or other basic necessities is not granted to individuals or groups in society on the basis of equity the seeds of conflict will definitely grow. The need therefore to address the widening gap and disparity that exist in our society cannot be over emphasized.

According to American philosopher, John Rawls, the stability of a society or any group for that matter depends on the extent to which the members of that society feel that they are being treated justly. He holds that when some of society’s members come to feel that they are subject to unequal treatment, the foundations have been laid for social unrest, disturbances and strife. In his view, which I strongly subscribe to, “the members of a community depend on each other, and they will retain their social unity only to the extent that their institutions are just.”

Today as it stands, there is a growing recognition on the need for equity and justice in our society. This is largely as a result of the rising inequalities and inequity experienced in our world today. Where there is equity, there is a fair or equal distribution of goods and services or dividends of democracy to all citizens. When this is done, there will be a drastic reduction in violent agitations by some members or groups in our society.

In my book “The Laws of Peace and National Unity”, I made some important remarks in this regard. Among other things, I did mention that the absence of equity and justice in any society are a major threat to peace. There is no gainsaying that conflict will most likely arise in any society where justice is absent. In fact, conflict begins where justice ends. Until justice is given a pride of place, the concept of lasting peace will remain elusive as an expert once pointed out; separating peace building from the promotion of justice would certainly undermine both.

I agree with his assertion that for peace to reign supreme in our society, everyone, irrespective of nationality, race or religion must be given a sense of belonging to a world that we all share. Governments of nations all over the world should ensure that no group within their nations is oppressed, neglected, abandoned or left behind on account of ethnicity, religion, gender or any other reason. As a people we should always acknowledge the fact that what is good for one is good for the other. We are all created equal and must treat each other with respect. By every means possible, we should discourage inequality in our society as that would create an atmosphere and breeding ground for crisis.”