ABSTRACT
Social work is often characterised as a ‘human rights profession’ (UN 1994). In its Ethical Principles, the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) describes social work as ‘based 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 well-being’ (IFSW 2012b). Moreover, the Federation makes repeated reference to human rights in its global educational standards and requires educational institutions to educate students regarding the basic questions of human rights and international human rights instruments (IFSW 2012b, Subsection 8.8).
