Human Rights Remain a Priority for Social Workers Worldwide

April 12, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: NASW Public Affairs Office
Lahne Mattas-Curry
202-336-8228
lcurry@naswdc.org

Gail Woods-Waller
202-336-8236 gwaller@naswdc.org

Human Rights Remain a Priority for Social Workers Worldwide

NASW to Participate in 19th Annual Social Work Day at the United Nations Monday, April 15

NEW YORK—Social workers around the world will convene on April 15 for the 19^th Annual Social Work Day at the United Nations to discuss pandemic human rights violations. The profession has serious concerns about the increasing prevalence of war, displacement and forced migration of individuals, persistent gender inequities, and social exclusion of people worldwide.

"Social workers must become full partners with the U.N. in advancing human development and human rights," says National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Executive Director, Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH. "Professional social workers have unique biopsychosocial knowledge and practical experience that can help bring the U.N. declarations, conventions and treaties on human rights into fruition," she adds.

According to the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), which sponsors the U.N. event, "human rights" condenses into two words the struggle for dignity and fundamental freedoms that develops human potential. The primary mission of the social work professionas stated in the NASW Code of Ethicsis to enhance overall human well-being and to help meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.

Social Work Day at the United Nations is co-sponsored by the International Federation of Social Workers, the International Association of Schools of Social Work, and the International Affairs Committees of the New York City and New Jersey Chapters of the National Association of Social Workers. Fourteen New York area colleges and universities also support the effort.

Reporters: The 19^th Annual Social Work Day at the United Nations will be Monday, April 15 at the United National headquarters, 46^th St. and First Avenue, New York City, from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Remarks from NASW Executive Director, Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW. MPH, are scheduled for 11:45a.m.

For more information on NASWs International Human Rights Policy, please contact Lahne Mattas-Curry at 202-336-8228.VFWC).

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 153,000 members. It promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families and communities through its work and through its advocacy.

http://www.socialworkers.org/pressroom/2002/041202.asp

3/4/2013