Today is the United Nation's World day of Social Justice, which UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon says lies at the heart of his agency's pursuit of development and human dignity. It is just the second time that the UN has marked the day.
Ban said: "Social justice is based on the values of fairness, equality, respect for diversity, access to social protection and the application of human rights in all spheres of life, including in the workplace. As we face the consequences of the global financial and economic crisis, which has led to significant increases in unemployment and poverty and is straining social integration, these principles are more important than ever."
The images here, taken by Phill Prendeville on behalf of the New Zealand charity ChildFund for its African Orphan Rescue programme, illustrate that social justice remains elusive for these communities in Kenya. A combination of deep poverty and a high rate of HIV infection has left many children in the care of elderly grandparents, who might have expected the support of their own children in their old age.
Nearly 1000 New Zealanders pay $20 a month to support the programme, which helps provide food, water and basic care.
Young victims of poverty
Josie (left) walks a long way to collect water, and Molly and her grandmother negotiate sewers to get home in Nairobi. Photos / Phill Prendeville
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