International Federation of Social Workers to visit Afghanistan

International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) will visit the Afghanistan Social Workers Organisation this week.

The visit comes at a time when Afghanistan is going through significant challenges and support from many international humanitarian agencies has been withdrawn due to the Taliban government’s decision preventing women in NGOs from working.

IFSW responded to a request from the Afghanistan Social Workers Organisation to meet with them, as well as local NGOs and key government Ministries.

Secretary-General of IFSW, Rory Truell, Global Vice President, Ana Radulescu, and the Iranian Association’s International Officer, Hamed Olamaee will be hosted by the Afghanistan Social Workers Organisation (ASO) with travel commencing on the 25th of January.

“Our primary objective is to support social workers and the development of community and state-based social services,” Secretary-General of IFSW, Rory Truell said.

“This objective fully includes supporting women in their roles as social workers and in social services as this is essential for social and economic development. Our colleagues in Afghanistan are doing an incredible job supporting all people and advancing the profession under very complex circumstances. They and we are looking forward to developing stronger partnerships based on mutual learning, support and social work values.”

IFSW has been in regular contact with the President of the Afghanistan Social Work Organisation, Massoud Ayoubi who has worked tirelessly with the Taliban government, communities and NGOs, during this critical period, to promote the co-building necessary in the social and economic development of Afghanistan.

“It is IFSW’s responsibility to stand together with social workers in times of challenge and I am very happy that we are able to send a very experienced team that can work alongside local social workers, communities and authorities supporting bridges for respectful inclusive development,” IFSW President Joachim Mumba commented.

The trip has been approved by the Taliban government, and the ASO / IFSW representatives will meet with various Ministries to highlight the importance of social work to the social and economic development of Afghanistan. ASO President, Massoud Ayoubi hopes that this visit will stimulate ongoing partnerships to support development in Afghanistan and start the process of ASO joining IFSW as an independent professional association.

Political control of the country changed rapidly following the withdrawal of the US military and other international armed forces in June 2021.

Since taking control of the country, the Taliban have broken multiple pledges to respect human rights.

“Authorities have imposed severe restrictions on women’s and girls’ rights, suppressed the media, and arbitrarily detained, tortured, and summarily executed critics and perceived opponents, among other abuses,” Human Rights Watch said.

“Taliban human rights abuses have brought widespread condemnation and imperilled international efforts to address the country’s dire humanitarian situation.”