On the 21st of December IFSW published a call for the immediate release of Palestinian Social Worker Munther (below). In this update, we are pleased to record Munther’s release from detention last week. Munther Amira a former President of the Palestine Union of Social Workers and Psychologists, had been arrested on allegations that he had published posts inciting violence on Facebook. The prosecution failed to offer any credible evidence to charge him and instead, the Israeli court issued a four-month administrative detention order. He was released after serving two and a half months.
Read Munther’s personal statement which he wrote after his release thanking supporters and commenting on the conditions of prisoners: Download the Statement.
21st December 2023
IFSW Calls For The Immediate Release Of Our Colleague Munther Amira
We are deeply concerned to learn of the latest arrest of our colleague Munther Amira, a distinguished social worker and advocate for human rights, by the Israeli Defence Forces. Munther’s unwarranted arrest in the early hours of December 18th from his home in Aida refugee camp, Bethlehem, is a violation of fundamental human rights and principles of justice.
Munther Amira has consistently stood for the rights and dignity of children and adolescents, advocating for their freedom and wellbeing. His commitment to peaceful protest and defense of human rights aligns with the core values of social work. These principles emphasise the autonomy and self-determination of all peoples, and Munther’s actions embody these ideals.
The manner of Munther’s arrest, the subsequent mistreatment of his family, and his unjust detention are deeply troubling. His dedication to the community, evident by his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Aida Youth Center and his activism with the Popular Struggle Coordination Committee, highlights his unwavering commitment to serving and uplifting others.
We echo the sentiments expressed in the United Nations “Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”, reaffirming the right to self-determination and freedom from subjugation. Munther’s arrest is a stark contradiction to these principles and demonstrates a disregard for the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Munther Amira after his release back in 2018
We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Munther Amira as well as all other Palestinian and Israeli civilians being held against their will. Munther’s detention is not only an affront to his rights as an individual but represents a broader assault on the rights of social workers as human rights defenders worldwide. We call upon the international community, social workers, and human rights organisations to join us in advocating for Munther’s freedom and for the respect of human rights for all.
Munther Amira’s voice is a voice for justice, peace, and human dignity. In his defence, we raise our voices in the face of injustice. We stand in solidarity with Munther Amira and all those who courageously fight for human rights and social justice in a peaceful and non-violent way. His immediate release is imperative for the principles we uphold and the shared futures we strive to create.
In light of the ongoing bombings in Gaza, we also reiterate our firm stance for an immediate ceasefire and the initiation of a peacebuilding process, as consistent engagement in dialogue and building of trust between communities is crucial to address the root causes of this conflict and to pave way for lasting peace and security for all people in the region.