intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work. 3. International Conventions International human rights declarations and conventions form common standards of achievement, and recognize rights that are accepted by the global community. Documents particularly relevant to social work practice and action are: Universal Declaration of Human Rights The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights The International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights The Convention on the Elimination of all of Racial Discrimination The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women The Convention on the Rights of the Child Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (ILO convention 169) 4. Principles 4.1. Human Rights and Human Dignity Social work is on respect for the inherent worth and dignity of all people, and the rights that follow from this. Social workers should uphold and defend each person’s physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual integrity and This means: Respecting the right to self-determination Social workers should respect – and promote people’s right to make their own choices and decisions, irrespective of their values and life choices, provided this does not threaten the rights and legitimate interests of others. Promoting the right to participation Social workers should promote the – full involvement and participation of people using their services in ways that enable them to be empowered in all aspects of decisions and actions affecting their lives. Treating each person as a whole Social workers should be concerned – with the whole person, within the family, community, societal and natural environments, and should seek to recognize all aspects of a person’s life. Identifying and developing strengths Social workers should focus on the – strengths of all individuals, groups and communities and thus promote their empowerment.
intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work. 3. International Conventions International human rights declarations and conventions form common standards of achievement, and recognize rights that are accepted by the global community. Documents particularly relevant to social work practice and action are: Universal Declaration of Human Rights The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights The International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights The Convention on the Elimination of all of Racial Discrimination The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women The Convention on the Rights of the Child Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (ILO convention 169) 4. Principles 4.1. Human Rights and Human Dignity Social work is on respect for the inherent worth and dignity of all people, and the rights that follow from this. Social workers should uphold and defend each person’s physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual integrity and This means: Respecting the right to self-determination – Social workers should respect and promote people’s right to make their own choices and decisions, irrespective of their values and life choices, provided this does not threaten the rights and legitimate interests of others. Promoting the right to participation – Social workers should promote the full involvement and participation of people using their services in ways that enable them to be empowered in all aspects of decisions and actions affecting their lives. Treating each person as a whole – Social workers should be concerned with the whole person, within the family, community, societal and natural environments, and should seek to recognize all aspects of a person’s life. Identifying and developing strengths – Social workers should focus on the strengths of all individuals, groups and communities and thus promote their empowerment.