The IFSW Asia-Pacific Region has issued a statement calling for peace and solidarity in response to rising global tensions and ongoing conflicts affecting communities across regions.
We reaffirm our commitment to upholding human dignity, promoting social justice, and supporting those most affected by violence, instability, and displacement.
The full statement is provided below.
Statement Calling for Peace and Solidarity
18 March 2026
As President of the IFSW Asia-Pacific Region, I express deep concern regarding the rising tensions around the world. At a time when conflicts and divisions are intensifying, we, as social workers, must reaffirm our ethical responsibility to uphold human dignity, promote social justice, and work toward the realization of peace.
The IFSW Statement of Ethical Principles calls on us to respect the inherent worth and dignity of all people, to confront injustice, and to work together toward inclusive and peaceful societies. However, as conflicts in various regions—including those affecting our colleagues and communities in Iran, Palestine, the Middle East, and beyond—continue to fuel instability, it is children, women, the sick and injured, and those in socially vulnerable situations who are disproportionately affected. They often face overlapping hardships, including violence, poverty, forced displacement, and loss of access to essential services such as healthcare. Their dignity, safety, and fundamental rights are at grave risk.
We call for responses that prioritize dialogue and mutual understanding over confrontation and the use of force. In particular, the protection of children, women, the sick and injured, persons living with disabilities, older persons, and all those in vulnerable situations must be placed at the center of every response. Violence, oppression, and discrimination only deepen suffering and division and can never be justified.
Social workers across the Asia-Pacific region stand in solidarity with affected communities and with colleagues working on the front lines. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues, recognizing their dedication and prioritizing their safety and well-being as they respond to the needs of others during this challenging time. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting those forced to flee, those facing trauma and loss—especially those in the most vulnerable situations—and to strengthening systems that promote recovery, resilience, and social cohesion.
Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, equity, and dignity for all. Grounded in our shared humanity, we will continue to collaborate across borders, cultures, and professional disciplines to build a more just, inclusive, and peaceful world where no one is left behind.
Machiko OHARA, Ph. D.
President
International Federation of Social Worker Asia-Pacific