The IFSW executive is pleased to announce that the Censure of the Israeli Union of Social Workers has now been withdrawn as part of the 2022 IFSW General Meeting.
In 2018 the IFSW General Meeting supported the executive censure of the Israeli Union of Social Workers because of concerns “that the Israeli Union of Social Workers is not able to abide by the policies and procedures of the Federation in acting on a human rights perspective.”
In this very difficult and complex situation, there were many discussions with the Israeli Union to find a way forward. It has taken time, but the parties involved found a way to do it. The censure was withdrawn on Monday 25th April 2022.
The role of the Federation is to work with and support members in challenging circumstances. Such situations arise often when there is war and conflict. Social workers are often placed in untenable and risky situations standing up for the rights of all people, from their own governments and sometime their own communities. It is important to record that the Israeli Union did not walk away, they kept paying their membership fees, attending meetings, they stayed with the challenge until they were able to comply with the IFSW Human Rights policy. In this journey, the Federation has respected the Israeli Union and the time needed.
On the 24th April 2022, the Israeli Union agreed to the following text:
The Israeli Union of Social Workers supports the full and equal rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.
It respects and promotes the right to self-determination for all peoples.
Our members desire a just end to the conflict and a life where no one feels threatened or has their right to security undermined.
The executive noted the need for ongoing work with Israel and Palestine to give life to the intentions of the statement. This will be followed up by the Secretary-General.