Analyzing the Integration of Human Rights into Undergraduate Social Work Education
Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 6,
11 March 2024
,
Page 101-116
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v6/3137G
Abstract
Understanding human rights is critically important in social work education and practice. This is further emphasized in the global definition of social work which highlights that as a practice-based profession and academic discipline, social work relies on the principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversity. Concomitantly, social work education must ensure that students know and understand human rights laws especially those which are inherent to all human beings and are often expressed and guaranteed by international law which Governments are expected to uphold. As duty bearers, social workers commit to supporting governments in the upholding of those agreements pertinent to the well-being of the people. This paper examined the knowledge of undergraduate students of international agreements/laws before leaving the University. These agreements not only speak to nation-states but to universal practices. Many social work issues are universal and transcend borders. A mixed method was utilised to ascertain students’ awareness of international human rights laws and their perceptions of its applicability to practice. The findings show that there is limited knowledge among social work students on human rights covenants and conventions. This assessment is instructive to social work educators locally and internationally and points to the need for its integration into the curricula. Undergraduate generalist practitioners must leave the University with a clear understanding of these laws since many practice issues are transnational. There will be a need for international social work to be a taught course for undergraduate training to become generalist practitioners.
- Human rights
- integration
- international social work
- social work education