Events in Afghanistan have moved quickly in the last few weeks. There is and will continue to be uncertainty for everyone, both for the people who remain in Afghanistan and the people who are forced or feel compelled to leave. Internationally there is a shared fear about the rights and dignity of women and girls. IFSW shares these concerns. Our worldwide ethical principles include recognition that all peoples are equal and have the right to full involvement and participation in all aspects of decisions that affect their lives.
Global leaders are struggling to find cohesion to prevent human tragedy. Foreign governments with different political philosophies which have tried to influence or seek to control others beyond their own borders, need to be a part of the process by respecting all people’s dignity and diversity. Whilst we recognise there is an international need to respond to the humanitarian crisis, this is insufficient to establish longer-term solutions which rely on facilitating understanding and cooperation that respect all peoples.
Conflict in Afghanistan has raged over many decades. There are other areas of the world where intergenerational trauma also prevails contributing to the widespread devastation of communities. To recognise everyone´s right to live with dignity requires all communities and diverse interests to work together.
As social workers, our expertise includes working with people through conflict, oppression, and trauma. These skills will be needed over the next weeks, months and years by people and their governments; not only for the people fleeing conflict to seek safety and security but also for the host communities as they all journey through many changes in their lives.
IFSW supports colleagues at the frontline of meeting peoples immediate and longer-term needs. We also support those who can influence international leaders to direct negotiations and resources to find sustainable peaceful resolutions.
This process includes: The right for people to safely leave situations of conflict and re-build dignified lives which may result in returning to their homeland when they feel safe and secure; the right of women to live equitably alongside men with freedom and security, and the right of all people to live in a world where governments and civil society respect diversity for everyone’s shared futures. Join us in putting into action the vision in the people´s summit ´Co-Building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind´.