During the General Meeting in Nairobi, the members of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) adopted a new policy, A Social Work Approach to Co-creating Human Rights-Based Care and Support Systems, reaffirming the Federation’s commitment to advancing care and support as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of just, inclusive and sustainable societies.
The policy provides a comprehensive framework for social workers, governments and partners to strengthen care and support systems grounded in human rights, social protection, participation and ecological sustainability.
It highlights the vital role of social workers in co-creating care and support systems that uphold dignity, autonomy and social justice while recognising and valuing both paid and unpaid care and support work. It calls for integrated approaches that embed care and support within broader social protection systems and promote community-led, rights-based and participatory models of practice.
IFSW Global President Eva Ponce de Leon said:
“Care and support are at the heart of social work and at the heart of every thriving society. This policy affirms that care and support are fundamental human rights and provides a clear roadmap for strengthening systems that promote dignity, participation, equality and collective wellbeing. At a time when societies around the world face growing inequalities and increasing care needs, this policy demonstrates how rights-based care and support systems can strengthen communities, foster social cohesion and contribute to sustainable development. It reflects our Federation’s commitment to working alongside communities, governments and our partners to ensure that no one is left behind.”
Priska Fleischlin, IFSW Global UN Commissioner, added:
“This policy is the result of a collective effort by the IFSW UN Commission team, bringing together expertise and perspectives from across the Federation and incorporating feedback from United Nations agencies, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). It offers practical guidance for social workers and decision-makers alike, demonstrating how human rights-based care and support systems can transform lives, strengthen communities and contribute to more just and sustainable societies. I would particularly like to acknowledge Sebastian Cordoba, the lead author, as well as every member of the UN Commission team for their commitment and valuable contributions to this policy.”
The policy examines the growing pressures on care and support systems arising from demographic change, climate change, economic inequality, conflict, displacement and austerity. It advocates integrated responses that recognise care and support as a shared societal responsibility, while highlighting the importance of decent work, gender equality, community participation, Indigenous knowledge, social and solidarity economies, and rights-based digital innovation.
The policy concludes with a series of commitments that will guide IFSW and its member organisations in advocating for the recognition of care and support as a human right, strengthening partnerships, promoting inclusive participation, and supporting social workers in advancing equitable and sustainable care and support systems worldwide.
IFSW extends its sincere appreciation to Sebastian Cordoba, the lead author, and to all members of the UN Commission team, as well as everyone who contributed to the development of this important addition to IFSW’s global policy framework.