Abstract
Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is a state of wellbeing, a quest towards harmonious living (Tan, 1987) and engaging in positive, health-promoting relationships.
It is a common goal for us all to avoid and prevent war and to resolve conflict constructively. Yet, in recent times, we have seen war wreaking havoc to millions of people, all over the world. Any war, unresolved conflict or tension will invariably take its toll on the citizens. One of the greatest of dis-welfare of human condition is war, and the people in Ukraine knows what this means.
Since the invasion of Russian forces, at the end February 2022, to 3 July, 2022, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded 11,152 civilian casualties in Ukraine: 4,889 killed and 6,263 injured (cited by OHCHR, 2022). It is believed that many more thousands, of both civilians and military men and women, have been killed, not only in Ukraine but also for the Russians. There are reportedly more than 8,792,763 Ukrainian refugees (updated 05 Jul 2022, UNHCR, 2022). The refugee crisis has worsened and social workers are speaking up and advocating for as well as responding to the crisis with social protection measures and humanitarian aid programmes.
IASSW, as with other international social work bodies, speaks out against war, violence and discrimination. The IASSW statement, “opposes and condemns racism, discrimination, intolerance and violence in all its pernicious and evil forms, and condemns those governments, quasi-governments and individuals who perpetrate racism, discrimination and support intolerance and violence” (IASSW, 2022a). It is the mission of social work to enhance social well-being. In this new epoch of human civilization, we will see the profession of social work imbued with the expanded role to bring peace and social justice, and sow seeds of compassion and caring in the restructured world.
Any conflict presents opportunity for change and increased positive communications through the dedicated working at differences (Tan, 1987). Social work, based on principles of respect and acceptance, offers a way to manage and resolve conflict through a commitment to mutual understanding, celebrating and learning from difference, to a ‘commitment not to harm, but also to nurture, all individuals and society’ (IASSW, 2022b).
Peace is necessarily inclusive, embracing diversity and differences. Peace is a commitment, never to use violence to solve problems but through constructive participation to work out common solutions (Tan, 1987) and rebuild for the better.
A key outcome of the recent People’s Summit, supported by IASSW, along with IFSW as well as ICSW, and like-minded organizations, is the People’s Charter for an Eco-Social World. This was shaped by “diverse voices from across the globe,’ people representing diversity seeks to co-build a more sustainable and just world. global summit came up with the people’s charter, and derived a statement on peace” (IASSW, 2022b). Clause 9, of the Charter addresses the Co-building of Peace: “People do not want war and violence in their lives. Preventing war and violence is facilitated through the development of trust and mutual respect for diversity. This is achieved by working with and in families, communities and countries until everyone is confident enough to understand their own and others’ rights, responsibilities, resources, challenges and strengths” (IASSW, 2022b).
IASSW’s task Force for Peace in Israel and Palestine works towards a grounds-up initiative for social development and hopefully constructive and peaceful engagement. The task force’s role is to listen to the grounds and to structure processes forward, owned by the people who are committed to bringing about peace and progress (IASSW, 2022a). With the commitment towards change for the better, the greater participation and ownership of the process could only work towards constructing the common good.
Peace and social development are twins, both sides of the same coin. The World Social Work Day 2022 celebrated by IASSW, and our partners, affirmed the building of a fairer and sustainable social eco world leaving no one behind. From Bangkok, New York and Geneva, to China, Bangladesh and Malaysia, social workers have demonstrated solidarity and the values enshrined in Ubuntu, ‘I am because we are,’ (IASSW, 2022b) showing great resolve for connections and unity of purpose. Social workers and educators championed peace, advocated and taught community-based efforts to manage tensions, harnessing energy and actions towards development.
IASSW’s recent online forum: “Social work for peace, solidarity and support and response to violence and wars” affirmed the need to work towards decolonisation, against oppression and denouncing invasion of powerful forces over those who are in the minority, powerless and marginalized groups (IASSWa). Social workers stand with the disenfranchised and voiceless to be the beacon of light in this dark world.
Peace, and the accompanying social development, should be the prized commodity for humankind and yet it eludes many on this earth. Social workers cannot stand by and watch but must truly be active agents of peace and social change, and necessarily then, agents of peace.