Integrating Human Rights and Trauma Frameworks in Social Work with People from Refugee Backgrounds

Abstract

Social work practice informed by human rights and trauma frameworks can be empowering and enabling. While both frameworks are complex and contested, their implementation “from below” via praxis can maximise benefits for social work with people who have experienced trauma and human rights abuses, such as those from refugee backgrounds. This article presents an exploration of this practice approach through the presentation of the story of Zillah and Amman, a fictionalised composite of many real refugee experiences. Taking as examples the education and child protection systems, the discussion highlights how theory to practice integration requires cross-cultural engagement, critical reflection, dialogue, and an understanding of human rights “from below”.

具有人权以及创伤框架知识的社工实践，可以使人强大给人力量。两个框架虽然复杂而矛盾，但它们自下的实践却能给服务于经历创伤和人权伤害者（如难民）的社会工作带来极大的好处。本文通过讲述基拉和安曼的故事探讨了这种实践。这两个虚构的人物是许多真实难民经历的合成。本文以教育及儿童保护系统为例，集中探讨了理论与实践的结合如何需要跨文化的交往，如何需要反思、对话以及对人权“自下”的理解。

Keywords:

• Social Work
• Human Rights
• Trauma
• Refugees

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge comments and suggestions from colleagues. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Companion House as an organisation.