Joint IFSW/IASSW Human Rights Commission

IFSW General Meeting, Geneva, Switzerland, 10-12 July 2002
Agenda item 10.2

Introduction

The relationship between social work practitioners and educators at an international level stretches back many years. Both organisations share similar goals and structures and have an enduring commitment to the principles of social justice and, in particular, work in the area of human rights. Both organisations have established continuing committees on human rights matters.

In Copenhagen 2001, the Joint Planning and Action Committee for IFSW and IASSW considered the possibility of greater levels of co-operation across a number of domains. It was noted at that time that the Secretaries of the respective human rights commission, Jim Ife for IFSW and Lynne Healey for IASSW, had already established a close and integrated working relationship.

Proposal

It is proposed for the 2002 General Meeting of the IFSW and the 2002 General Meeting of the IAASW that both organisations move to adopt the proposal to form one joint human rights commission.

Proposed Structure

The actual structure of the Commission would not differ greatly from the current arrangement in that there would be representatives and their alternatives from each of the five Regions – Africa, Asia & Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean and North America. This would bring together the work of 20 individuals (10 from each organisation).

The position of Secretary of the Commission would be filled on a rotating basis every four years. In the first four-year cycle, it is recommended that the IASSW elect the Secretary for the Human Rights Commission. On the second 4-year cycle the IFSW would elect the same and so on. A position of the Deputy Secretary should be filled by an individual from the organisation other to that which holds the Chair. Ideally, this person should be the candidate for election as the forthcoming Secretary.

Term of Office

Individuals appointed to the serve on the Commission can do so for a maximum of 8 consecutive years. Any individual taking on the role of Secretary of the Commission can extend this by the period of four years.

Role of the Human Rights Commission

1. To liaise with social work associations and Schools of Social Work in the relevant region to identify human rights issues where the Commission may be able to take action.

2. Communicate this to other Commission members and to seek endorsement of appropriate action.

3. To facilitate any action that is agreed, eg by asking social workers to become involved in letter writing campaigns.

4. To organise appropriate forums, workshops etc. within regions and at global conferences on human rights matters.

5. To provide advice to the President and Executive Committees of the IFSW and the IAASW on critical matters with regard to individual and systemic breaches of human rights.

6. To work with Amnesty International and other human rights organisations.

7. To pursue individual casework for social workers, social work students and other social service workers who have experienced a denial of their human rights.

8. To prepare statements to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in cooperation with the representatives to the United Nations in Geneva and the Presidents.

Evaluation

Because this is the first time that the IFSW and IASSW have formally committed themselves to one operating body, it is considered essential that we evaluate the progress of the Committee.

This should be conducted at least 1 year before the end of the term of office for the incoming Secretary. It is suggested that the evaluation be conducted by a small team (2-4) of nominees from both organisations. The focus of the evaluation should be the degree to which the Commission has met the objectives over the period and the degree to which the joint system operates successfully.

Imelda Dodds
IFSW President