DOI: 10.1093/9780197757925.003.0002 ISSN:
Human Rights
Susan C MappAbstract
This chapter explains the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, together with its groupings of types of rights, as well as other human rights documents. The role of the United Nations in protecting these rights is examined, together with the strengths and limitations of this model. The increasing U.S. exceptionalism to human rights is discussed, including in the social work profession. The rights-based approach to social work and social development is explained and contrasted with the needs-based approach. The rights-based approach focuses on the macro structures that create rights violations and includes five facets: human dignity, nondiscrimination, participation, transparency, and accountability.