Dear Deepy Sur, 

 

The civilians in Palestine need our urgent attention and action. As social workers we need to stand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate the provision of essential services and support.  It is critical that all parties adhere to international humanitarian law, including the safeguarding of health facilities which are currently under threat.

We are members of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. We are writing to you regarding the humanitarian catastrophe and genocide unfolding in Gaza. 

On October 12, 2023, you sent an email to OASW members acknowledging the traumatic events worldwide and condemning all acts of hate and terrorism.

Since then and for more than 67 days, the world continues to witness escalating bombardments across the Gaza Strip reaching a total death toll today December 13 of 18,400 and 9420 children. Gaza has one of the youngest populations in the world, with 50% under 18 years old. In the words of UNICEF spokesperson James Elder, “Gaza has become a graveyard for thousands of children.” 

Water, food, fuel, and electricity have been completely cut off leaving 2.3 million people, including 1 million children, in a desperate life-threatening situation. Collective punishment with crimes against humanity are unfolding in front of our eyes as the carpet bombing campaign continues. The situation has been described as a textbook example of genocide by Raz Segal, associate professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Stockton University in New Jersey. 

A call for an immediate ceasefire has already been made by the International Federation of Social Workers, as well as by the majority of the world’s leading human rights organizations including Save the Children, OXFAM, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), UNICEF, Amnesty International and UN bodies. More than 600 social work practitioners and academics have signed this open letter calling for an immediate ceasefire https://bit.ly/SocialWorkersforPalestine Unfortunately, the Ontario Association of Social Workers has lagged behind the aforementioned organizations and failed to release any public statement even acknowledging the horrific atrocities taking place in the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

As social workers, we are outraged by the horrendous loss of life and genocide of the Palestinian people. Witnessing this immense suffering compels us to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.The ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza has reached a critical juncture, and we believe it is our duty as social workers, who are committed to promoting social justice, and human rights, to lend our voices to advocate for justice, peace and the dignity of those affected. As social workers, our professional voices can either be instrumental in the service of justice for the oppressed or else we remain complicit in our silence. 

It is incumbent upon us as social workers who abide by principles of social justice to take a stand and call for an end to the horrific violence. In accordance with the principles enshrined in our professional commitment, we urge the Ontario Association of Social Workers to issue a statement calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Such a call aligns with our collective aspiration for a resolution that prioritizes human life and mental health, and it upholds the international humanitarian law principles of protecting civilians during conflicts.  The international community must come together to put an end to this violence and to address the longstanding issues of injustice, persecution, and oppression that have fueled this occupation of Palestine for the past 75 years. 

 

We urge OASW to make a public statement calling for:

An immediate humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate the provision of essential services and support to civilians, especially children, women, and the elderly.
The protection of all civilians and the adherence to international humanitarian law by all parties, including the safeguarding of health facilities.
The establishment of sustained and safe humanitarian corridors to deliver much-needed medical supplies, food, water, and fuel.
The release of hostages and political prisoners, and the provision of medical care to all civilians without delay or conditions.
All parties must protect children from harm and afford them the special protection to which they are entitled under international humanitarian and human rights laws.
Reinforce the role of social workers in supporting individuals and communities traumatized by such conflicts, both locally and internationally.

The Ontario Association of Social Workers has the influence and moral authority to make a meaningful contribution to these efforts. We have the opportunity and the obligation to use our collective voice to alleviate suffering and promote the restoration of peace and dignity for all those affected.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your response and the actions the association will undertake.

By signing this petition you stand with us in demanding immediate action from relevant authorities on these pressing issues. Your signature sends a strong message that we will not stand idly by while innocent lives are at stake.