National Association of Social Workers

From the Director

Social Work and Human Rights

By Elizabeth J. Clark, Ph.D., ACSW, MPH

Social work and the United Nations have long been linked philosophically. We agree that human rights are universal and apply to all persons without discrimination. In fact, the first sentence of the U.N.’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that respect for human rights and human dignity “is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” Similarly, respect for human rights and human dignity forms the foundation of social work theory, values, ethics and practice.

Because of our philosophical ties with the U.N., I was particularly shocked and saddened when I heard that the United Nations’ Baghdad headquarters were bombed on Aug. 19. United Nations Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello and 22 others were killed, tragically and senselessly. Earlier in the year, Vieira de Mello had been named the U.N.’s high commissioner for human rights; he had devoted his life to building peace and advocacy.

“Human rights” is a term used the world over, conveying a focus on equal rights as well as on social justice. It blends components of equity, civil rights and social justice, with both national and international applications. This was the philosophy upon which Vieira de Mello and so many others who perished with him based their lifelong work — work that will be carried on by social workers throughout the world.

As part of the continuing effort to increase NASW’s effectiveness in this critical realm, we created the Human Rights and International Affairs Department. The department will house areas of the association’s work that cut across organizational, geographic and specialty boundaries, including cultural competence; women’s issues; discrimination; affirmative action; racial and ethnic diversity; and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues.

The Human Rights and International Affairs Department will be responsible for addressing, both nationally and internationally, issues related to the fundamental freedoms that are grounded in law, tradition or nature, such as freedom of association and freedom from persecution and fear, as well as the rights to privacy, economic security and access to education and health care. The department will also address the right to participate in the process of building civil societies and good governance.

Many areas, such as inclusion, equity and cultural competency, have long been part of the association’s work at the national, state and local levels. The new department’s mandate allows for a progressive and timely pursuit of international issues within the boundaries of NASW’s goals and objectives.

This will also enable us to more effectively meet our responsibilities as the largest member of the International Federation of Social Workers and to emphasize our support for the principles set forth by the United Nations. NASW is a member of the United Nations Association’s Council of Organizations-Washington, D.C., and in June cosponsored the National Forum on the United Nations. We also proudly participate each year in Social Work Day at the United Nations in New York City.

The Department of Human Rights and International Affairs, headed by Luisa Lopez, will work in conjunction with our International Committee, headed by Robin Mama, and our Poverty and Social Justice Section, chaired by Ramon Salcido. We plan to work closely with the Council on Social Work Education, the International Federation of Social Workers, the International Council on Social Welfare and the International Association of Schools of Social Work to achieve our goals of enhancing the safe and effective functioning and well-being of individuals, families and communities at home and abroad.

In this spirit of collaboration, we will strive to honor the memory and work of Sergio Vieira de Mello as well as countless others whose contributions and sacrifices have not received media attention but who make their contributions anonymously while risking their lives to build a better world.

To comment to Elizabeth J. Clark: NewsColumn@naswdc.org

From October 2003 NASW News. © 2003 National Association of Social Workers. All rights reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.