IFSW CPD on Human rights of Social Workers and their Human Rights Responsibilities for Service Recipients
The IFSW has arranged another Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 2026
Human rights of Social Workers and their Human Rights Responsibilities for Service Recipients for practising social workers, members and representatives of national social work associations, educators, and other professionals engaged in social work policy and advocacy
Co-organized by
UN Commission of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW)
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
In collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO)
Social workers operate daily at the frontline of human rights, supporting individuals and communities while navigating complex systems, laws, and institutional expectations. They are both holders of rights — including decent work, safety, and professional autonomy — and professionals responsible for respecting and protecting the human rights of service recipients.
Dates: 27 March · 10 April · 24 April · 8 May 2026
Time: 12:00–13:30 CET
Register your participation here
Format: Online (Zoom, livestreamed on YouTube)
Language: English, Spanish
Objectives
The CPD aims to:
- Strengthen social workers’ understanding of their own human rights and labour rights;
- Clarify human rights responsibilities towards service recipients in complex practice settings;
- Support practical skills for analysing and addressing real-life professional dilemmas;
- Identify shared advocacy and policy priorities at national and global levels.
Programme
Session 1: Human Rights, Labour Rights, and Social Work Frameworks
This session will introduce key concepts and standards from human rights, labour rights, and social work perspectives. It will provide a common framework to help participants analyse professional dilemmas and case studies.
Sessions 2–4: Learning from Practice – Case Studies
Each session will begin with a social work case. The cases will focus on:
- The multiple roles and expectations placed on social workers;
- Tensions linked to public employment, authority, and legitimacy;
- Efforts to improve state systems while protecting human rights.
The three organisations OHCHR, IFSW, and ILO will analyse each case along their framework. Participants will jointly examine the cases, identify relevant rights and responsibilities, and discuss practical ways to address challenges and improve outcomes for both social workers and service recipients.
Expected Outcomes
Participants will
- have a clearer understanding of their human rights and professional responsibilities;
- feel more confident in applying human rights principles in daily practice and policy discussions;
- contribute to identifying key areas for collective advocacy and policy action at the global level.
Certificate: a certificate of attendance will be provided.