The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) expresses its unwavering and heartfelt solidarity with the Palestinian Social Workers and Psychologists Syndicate and with the people of Gaza, who continue to face unbearable suffering amid the relentless violence, destruction, and displacement.
From the heart of a devastated land, our colleagues in Gaza have reached out with a powerful call, a plea grounded in human dignity and professional ethics. In the face of unimaginable adversity, Palestinian social workers and psychologists are showing the world what it truly means to serve: offering critical psychosocial support, trauma care, and life-affirming assistance to those who have lost homes, loved ones, and every semblance of safety. They do this under constant threat, amid shortages of basic necessities, and at great personal risk.
Their courage is not only an act of professional duty, it is an embodiment of social work’s highest ethical principles: to uphold human rights, to protect the most vulnerable, and to promote peace and justice in the darkest of circumstances. Their actions reflect the spirit of the People’s Charter for an Eco-Social World, a vision that insists on a world rooted in dignity, safety, equality, and solidarity for all.
As the global voice of the profession, IFSW:
- Stands firmly with Palestinian social workers and psychologists, whose unwavering dedication to their communities exemplifies the soul of social work.
- Honours their work as a symbol of ethical resistance and profound compassion, reminding the world that even in the face of war, humanity can prevail.
- Demands immediate international action from governments, humanitarian bodies, and civil society to:
- End the violence and protect the lives of civilians,
- Ensure the safety and rights of all humanitarian workers,
- Guarantee immediate, unhindered access to humanitarian aid,
- And uphold the universal right of all people to live in peace, dignity, and hope.
We call on all IFSW members, regional bodies, and our vast professional networks to echo this call. Share the voices of our Palestinian colleagues. Advocate boldly in your own contexts for justice, peace, and the sanctity of life. We also recognise Israeli citizens and social workers who are standing up for human rights, and encourage social work colleagues across the region to do the same. We call for the right of all people in the region to live in safety and in a functioning democracy.
In this hour of profound suffering, the global social work family stands as one. Bound by our shared values and humanity, we will not turn away. We will not remain silent. We will act with integrity, courage, and deep solidarity.
To our colleagues in Gaza: You are not alone. Your voices echo across the world. Your suffering is not forgotten. Your work ignites the conscience of our profession and our world. In your courage, we see the essence of social work.
We stand with you, in sorrow, in struggle, and in unwavering hope for a just and peaceful future.