Voices from the borders: Social Work responds to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

The webinar will give us an opportunity to hear the experiences of some social workers who are directly involved in assisting these adults and children at the border with the Ukraine.

Our colleagues in Romania, Poland, and Slovakia and other countries in the East of Europe have responded directly to the growing humanitarian crisis caused by the invasion of the Russian military. They are working long hours in very difficult circumstances with other services at their border with the Ukraine to offer help to individuals and families.

Thousands of many women and children have fled the fighting in fear for their lives. Thousands more are likely to follow in the coming days and weeks. All are now suddenly refugees, often with few belongings and deeply traumatised by the terrible events inflicted upon them. Many are sick and in need of urgent medical attention. Many are without documentation because of the speed of the terrible events.
Respect for and the promotion and defence of human rights are fundamental to social work. Responding to the needs of people in vulnerable situations is also a core element of social work. In this context, social workers across the rest of Europe (and elsewhere) will be wondering how can they help; asking what can they do?

The webinar will offer an opportunity to hear what is the best way we, as IFSW European social work colleagues, can support them in their work.

The webinar will also give you an opportunity to ask questions and to offer suggestions about what social workers can do.

A webinar link will be provided on the day.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO COLLEAGUES IN YOUR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AND JOIN US ON THIS IMPORTANT WEBINAR.

This webinar is one of a number of activities that IFSW Europe will organise in the coming days to assist these social work colleagues in a meaningful, tangible way.

Go to the IFSW Europe webpage at www.ifsw.org for updates on our actions/activities.