Violence must never be accepted as normal, says Irish Association of Social Workers.
Social workers in Ireland are deeply concerned about the rising killings, abductions, and attacks across Nigeria. These acts of violence are taking innocent lives and causing fear in many communities. As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins, we join the call to protect women, girls, children, and all groups who are most at risk.
“We are especially worried about attacks on schools, places of worship, and people travelling for daily life. These should be safe spaces”, says Evelyn Oboh Social Work Practitioner on the Anti-racism advisory committee of the Irish Association of Social Workers, “when they are targeted, children lose their chance to learn, communities lose their sense of peace, and many people face deep emotional harm. As social workers, we know how long these wounds can last”.
Social workers support all efforts to provide trauma-informed care, stronger protection systems, and community-led actions that build peace and trust.
“We repeat a simple truth: violence must never be accepted as normal. Everyone deserves safety, dignity and peace”, says Kerry Cuskelly, Social Work Practitioner on the Anti-racism advisory committee of the Irish Association of Social Workers, “we offer our sincere condolences to all families who have lost loved ones and call for the immediate release of every abducted person”.
We stand with our colleagues in the IFSW Africa Region and with the people of Nigeria and support the call for strong and immediate action from the African Union and the United Nations to help the Nigerian government and local leaders responding to these crimes. Working together is essential to restore safety and provide urgent help to those who have suffered.
ENDS
