IASW Vote Supporting Information for IFSW SGM
The Israeli Union of Social Workers (IUSW) have been censured twice by the International Federation for Social Workers (IFSW) for failing to adhere to the IFSW’s Global Statement of Ethical Principles. The first censure occurred in 2018 and was lifted in 2022 following dialogue with the IFSW and a commitment from the IUSW to uphold equal rights and self-determination for all peoples.
In January 2025, a second censure was issued following extensive engagement with the IUSW. Members of the IUSW are in active combat roles under mandatory conscription. The IFSW requested that the IUSW write to their government and request combat exemptions for its Social Work members. The IFSW also requested that the IUSW issue a public call for peace. The IUSW declined both requests. As a result, the second 2025 censure was seen as inadequate by many members of the IFSW and was widely debated. This is what triggered a motion at the IASW AGM in May 2025.
Members of the IASW voted that a further motion be brought to the annual International Federation of Social Workers Europe Delegates meeting in Oslo. This motion was to request a Special General Meeting (SGM) be convened by the International Federation of Social Workers Global to discuss the continued membership of the Israeli Union of Social Workers. The motion was voted on by the IASW members present at the AGM and was passed.
The motion was refined and brought to the IFSW Europe Delegates meeting, Spain and Greece seconded the IASW motion. The European delegates present voted on the motion in seven distinct parts and all seven elements of the motion passed (This motion is available on the IASW website or on request).
The Special General meeting was then discussed by the IFSW Global Executive and approved. SGM will be held on the 18th of February from 1pm-5pm online.
The IASW conducted a poll of members opinions on the 12th of January 2026 and was left open until the 19th of January 2026. The question posed was expulsion of the IUSW, the suspension of the IUSW, or no action. The results of the votes were as follows:
| In favour of expulsion of the IUSW: | 78 |
| In favour of suspension of the IUSW: | 72 |
| Not in favour of either option: | 41 |
| Total votes cast: | 191 |
The representatives attending the IFSW Special General Meeting are.
| Delegate number 1 | Caroline Strong (COO) – Caroline will give oral presentation and vote on behalf of the IASW in line with the voting preferences from members. |
| Delegate number 2 | Dearbhla Ni Chulainn (IASW Member) |
| Delegate number 3 | Kerry Cuskelly (IASW member) |
| OBSERVER 1 | Kate Gillen (IAC Committee member) |
| OBSERVER 2 | Cliona Murphy (IASW CPD Coordinator) |
The IASW may have three delegates present and two observers (observers cannot speak), the IASW submitted a written statement and Caroline Strong (COO) will make a 10-minute oral statement on the day. Ireland, Spain, and Greece will be sharing a 30-minute speaking slot as the proposer and seconders of the motion. The IUSW will also have thirty minutes to speak and defend their position.
It is important to note that the IUSW did call for peace and a ceasefire in Oslo at the Delegates Meeting but did not condemn the ongoing genocide, did not call for the release of humanitarian aid, did not call for the right of return for displaced Palestinians, or call for the prevention of illegal settlements expanding.
Two votes will take place at the SGM
- Question 1: “That the Member Organisation be expelled from IFSW.”
- Question 2: “That the Member Organisation be suspended from IFSW.”
If the first vote receives 75% or more votes in favour, the IUSW will be immediately expelled and the meeting will close.
If the first vote does not achieve 75% or more votes, the second vote will be taken. If this achieves 75% or more votes the IUSW will be suspended and the meeting will close.
If the second vote does not achieve 75% or more votes, no action is taken and the IUSW remain members of the IFSW.
Reinstatement options
Following the voting, if the result is either expulsion or suspension there are mechanisms to allow the IUSW to reinstate their membership according to the IFSW rules.
Reinstatement can occur through the recommendation of the Executive Committee, and a majority vote of members present and voting at the General Meeting.
The expulsion or suspension of the IUSW does not mean they can never return to the IFSW as a member.
A short report on the outcome of the Special General Meeting will be shared with members, after the meeting takes place.
Sincerely,
Caroline Strong
IASW Chief Operations Officer
IASW & CGT Final Joint Statement
“The Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW), as proposer of the motion that has convened this Special General Meeting, alongside the Consejo General del Trabajo Social (Spain) and the Hellenic Association of Social Workers (Greece), will vote for the expulsion of the Israeli Union of Social Workers (IUSW) from the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), and calls on all member organisations to do the same…”
View the full statement in the downloads section of this page.
IFSW Report on the Special General Meeting
“Membership of the Israeli Union of Social Workers in the International Federation of Social Workers Historical Background, Ethical Concerns, and Procedural Basis for the Special General Meeting…”
