Profession urged to oppose war in Iraq

The social work profession must make its voice heard and take a
stand against the war in Iraq, the annual meeting of the British
Association of Social Workers was told last week.

Ruth Stark, BASW professional officer for Scotland, said social
care professionals in Britain should make their views known through
the International Federation of Social Workers, which has close
links with the United Nations.

“It’s important to focus on what happens afterwards and ensure
reconstruction is done in the spirit of working with the Iraqi
people and not dominated by the US or UK governments,” she said in
Cardiff.

IFSW European vice president David Jones said the organisation
would be lobbying to ensure that social work principles informed
the reconstruction of Iraq.