What are some ways social workers can promote human rights?

1 Understand human rights frameworks

One of the first steps to promote human rights is to understand the relevant frameworks, principles, and standards that guide and inform social work practice. These include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, among others. These documents provide a common language and a normative basis for human rights, and they can help social workers to identify, analyze, and address human rights issues and violations in their context. Social workers should also be familiar with the national and local laws, policies, and institutions that protect and promote human rights in their country and region, and how they can use them to support their clients and communities.

2 Empower clients and communities

Another way to promote human rights is to empower clients and communities to claim and exercise their rights, and to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Social workers can do this by using a strengths-based, client-centered, and participatory approach, that recognizes and builds on the capacities, resources, and aspirations of their clients and communities. Social workers can also facilitate access to information, education, and awareness-raising on human rights, and provide opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and networking among different stakeholders. Social workers can also support clients and communities to organize, mobilize, and advocate for their rights, and to hold duty-bearers accountable for their obligations.

3 Challenge oppression and discrimination

A third way to promote human rights is to challenge oppression and discrimination that undermine the rights and dignity of people. Social workers can do this by adopting an anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory, and culturally responsive practice, that respects and values the diversity, identity, and culture of their clients and communities. Social workers can also challenge the structural and systemic factors that create and maintain inequality, injustice, and exclusion, such as poverty, racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, and colonialism. Social workers can also promote social change and transformation by engaging in policy analysis, advocacy, and activism, and by collaborating with other professionals, organizations, and movements that share the same vision and values.

4 Practice ethically and critically

A fourth way to promote human rights is to practice ethically and critically, and to reflect on one's own values, beliefs, and actions as a social worker. Social workers can do this by following the code of ethics and standards of practice of their profession, and by adhering to the principles of human rights, such as universality, indivisibility, interdependence, equality, and non-discrimination. Social workers can also practice critically by questioning and challenging the assumptions, biases, and power dynamics that influence their work, and by seeking feedback and supervision from their peers, mentors, and supervisors. Social workers can also practice reflectively by engaging in continuous learning and professional development, and by evaluating and improving their practice based on evidence, experience, and outcomes.

5 Take care of oneself and others

A fifth way to promote human rights is to take care of oneself and others, and to prevent and address the risks and impacts of stress, burnout, and vicarious trauma that may affect social workers and their clients. Social workers can do this by maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and by prioritizing their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Social workers can also take care of others by creating and sustaining a supportive and respectful work environment, and by fostering a culture of care, compassion, and solidarity among their colleagues, partners, and allies. Social workers can also take care of others by ensuring that their clients and communities have access to adequate and appropriate services, resources, and support, and by respecting their autonomy, consent, and confidentiality.

6 Learn from others and share best practices

A sixth way to promote human rights is to learn from others and share best practices, and to contribute to the knowledge and development of the profession and the field. Social workers can do this by engaging in research, education, and training on human rights, and by disseminating and applying their findings and insights to their practice. Social workers can also learn from others and share best practices by participating in networks, forums, and events that bring together social workers and other human rights practitioners and advocates from different contexts, sectors, and disciplines. Social workers can also learn from others and share best practices by acknowledging and celebrating the achievements and contributions of their clients and communities, and by recognizing and honoring the diversity and richness of human rights perspectives and experiences.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?