The foundations of Social work, is routed with an innate desire to help others either in crisis, less fortunate or in need of protection and safeguarding. It contributes to the culmination of positive change in ones life, contrary to what is highlighted about the profession in the UK which seems to predominantly focus on negative aspects such as the interpretation of failures of social workers by western media. The core ethics and values which underpin Social Work practice is embedded with significance in promoting the human rights of individuals, from all walks of life in key government guidance, code of ethics (BASW) and UK Legislation i.e. The Children’s Act (1989). The UK is also a member of the United Nations and the UN Convention of the Rights of a Child, and therefore a supporter of every Child’s need to have their basic rights met. Social Worker’s across the world advocate for the protection of people,  peace, challenge oppression and discrimination, marginalization of any group and fight social injustices. If there is a profession which stands more for the Human Rights of Children, it is Social Work!  

For many social workers, discussing matters relating to foreign policy and conflict is uncomfortable territory, usually feigned by a multitude of reasons such as a lack of awareness, concern with offending an individual’s beliefs or due to a lack of confidence in change being adopted through a ‘conversation’. However starting uncomfortable conversations is the beginning of understanding the plight of suffering others endure, and shifting opinions. 

So why should Social Worker’s in the UK be well informed of foreign affairs, and in particular the situation unfolding in Gaza and Israel, and how does this relate to Social Work within the UK? The UK government is directly involved with how the UK responds and is involved with foreign affairs. UK is an active member of the United Nations, which founding principles is underpinned by the basic Human Rights, which the UK has adopted in many of their guidance and policies which Social Workers within the UK practice on a day to day basis in their casework. 

As of February 2024, according to the Palestinian health ministry, it is reported that more than 27,100 people in Gaza have been killed since the war began on October 7, around 11,500 of them children. Recognised charities such as UNICEF have reported that prior to the War, there were 500,00 children already in need of mental health and psychosocial support, however with on-going War, all children in Gaza are in need of significant medical, psycho-social and therapeutic support. Without the provision of this support, children are at risk of suffering further life threatening harm. 

Every child across the world has the right to live free from harm, oppression and have their basic needs for food, water and shelter met. No child should be used as a weapon of subjugation by any entity. Children are subject to their circumstances, and are not responsible for the immoral actions of the adults around them.  

Since October 7th 2023, we have watched and read media stories of children trapped under rubble in Gaza, killed whilst in Israeli declared safe zones, killed whilst seeking shelter and safety in hospitals, schools and mosques, travel miles in search of food, watch older children assume responsibility for their younger siblings due to their parents being killed. We have seen almost entire structures in Gaza decimated. There is a Humanitarian Aid blockade affecting the amount of basic provisions from entering Gaza, resulting in the starvation of children. 

The current Childrens Minister, David Johnston is directly responsible for children’s social care, disadvantaged children, their mental health and child protection/safeguarding in the UK etc. It is therefore extremely prudent that the UK response from representatives of Social Work to the Humanitarian crisis developing in Gaza, are in line with the ethics and values which the profession professes within their Ethics and Values, which Social Workers in the UK absorb during their training. 

As Social Workers in the UK, we demand the UK Government, in particular the Children’s Minister to the UK demand an Immediate CEASEFIRE, and an end to the embargo of Aid into Gaza, which enables the displaced children in Gaza to have access to food and medical aid.