HUMAN RIGHTS: Introduction

• Published in: Canadian social work review Vol. 35; no. 1; pp. 131 - 137
• Main Authors: MacDonald, Judy E, Hulko, Wendy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; French
• Published: Ottawa Canadian Assn for Social Work Education 01.01.2018
• Subjects: Associations; Bisexuality; Charter of Rights-Canada; Charters; Citizenship; Civil rights; Democracy; Education; Ethics; Gays & lesbians; Gender identity; Human rights; Indigenous peoples; International law; Intervention; Lesbianism; Professional ethics; Sexual orientation; Sexuality; Social justice; Social work; Social work education; Social workers; Transgender persons; Womens rights; Canada; Manitoba Canada
• ISSN: 0820-909X; 2369-5757
• DOI: 10.7202/1051106ar

Human rights are a fundamental consideration in the delivery of social work, be it advocacy work in promoting the rights of marginalized peoples, or supporting individual clients when they challenge inequitable laws and practices. Social work brings the voice of the underprivileged forward and is committed to the creation of a socially just and equitable world. As such, social workers are well versed in section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), which lists the protected grounds upon which all individuals are guaranteed protection from discrimination. Human rights provide a foundation to social work theory and practice through acknowledging common humanity and striving for global citizenship (Ife, 2001). The Canadian Association of Social Work's professional Code of Ethics (2005) clearly articulates social work's commitment to human rights, as identified in Canadian Law and through UN international conventions. Whether it was Charlotte Whitton advocating for women's rights in the 1950s or Cindy Blackstock championing the rights of Indigenous children in our current era of reconciliation, social workers believe in the dignity and worth of all persons and actively seek full citizenship for all human beings.