Social Workers for a Free Palestine:
Report on the World Social Work Day Online Event
On March 19, 2024, social workers from around the globe gathered online for an important event dedicated to “Social Workers for a Free Palestine” as part of World Social Work Day celebrations. This event offered a platform for Palestinian social workers to share their experiences and the challenges they face in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Through poignant testimonies, participants highlighted the ongoing struggle for social justice and freedom in the region, emphasizing the vital role of social workers in advocating for human rights amidst conflict.
The event featured notable contributions from UK-based social worker activists, including legendary film director and activist Ken Loach, UNISON Scotland member Naomi Junnor, and retired social worker Mick Bowman, who shared their insights on the historical and current struggles of the Palestinian people. The discussions underscored the importance of solidarity and the urgent need to support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, while also calling for an end to the negative portrayal of Palestinians in the media.
Raed Amira from the Palestinian Union of Social Workers and Psychologists and Noor from Aida Youth Centre offered firsthand accounts of the harsh realities faced by those living under occupation. Their testimonies highlighted the enduring spirit and resilience of the Palestinian people, despite the severe conditions imposed by the ongoing conflict.
The event concluded with a pledge for social workers to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, reaffirming the core values of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversity. This pledge calls for continued support for the Palestinian struggle for freedom and justice until their liberation is achieved.