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Human Rights Remain a Priority for Social Workers Worldwide
NASW to Participate in 19th Annual Social Work Day at the United Nations Monday,
April 15
NEW YORK—Social workers around the world will convene on April 15 for the 19th Annual
Social Work Day at the United Nations to discuss pandemic human rights
violations. The profession has serious concerns about the increasing prevalence
of war, displacement and forced migration of individuals, persistent gender
inequities, and social exclusion of people worldwide.
"Social workers must become full partners with the U.N. in advancing human
development and human rights," says National Association of Social Workers
(NASW) Executive Director, Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH. "Professional
social workers have unique biopsychosocial knowledge and practical experience
that can help bring the U.N. declarations, conventions and treaties on human
rights into fruition," she adds.
According to the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), which
sponsors the U.N. event, "human rights" condenses into two words the struggle
for dignity and fundamental freedoms that develops human potential. The primary
mission of the social work profession—as stated in the NASW Code of Ethics—is to
enhance overall human well-being and to help meet the basic needs of all people,
with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are
vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.
Social Work Day at the United Nations is co-sponsored by the International
Federation of Social Workers, the International Association of Schools of Social
Work, and the International Affairs Committees of the New York City and New
Jersey Chapters of the National Association of Social Workers. Fourteen New York
area colleges and universities also support the effort. Reporters: The 19th Annual Social Work Day at the United
Nations will be Monday, April 15 at the United National headquarters,
46th St. and First Avenue, New York City, from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 a.m.
Remarks from NASW Executive Director, Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW. MPH, are
scheduled for 11:45a.m.
For more information on NASW’s International Human Rights Policy, please
contact Lahne Mattas-Curry at 202-336-8228.VFWC).
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in
Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social
workers with 153,000 members. It promotes, develops and protects the practice of
social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of
individuals, families and communities through its work and through its
advocacy.
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