Transnational Advocacy at the United Nations for Social Workers

Advocating at the United Nations is a daunting task for many social workers. The United Nations (UN) is so extensive, its system of agencies and relationships is complex and overlaid by politics, and there is no clear entry point for affecting change at the United Nations. However, as more of the social and human rights issues social workers confront in their practices have global roots and international implications, it becomes imperative that social workers seeking justice learn how to shape policies and decisions made at the UN. Advocating for policy changes beyond national boundaries is known as transnational advocacy. This paper guides the reader through the UN structure, and the roles of member states and non-state workers are discussed. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are a common vehicle for social workers to advocate at the UN. This paper introduces readers to the types of status NGOs hold at the UN, how NGOs advocate at the UN, and how social workers are currently represented at the UN. Two case examples of advocacy efforts are shared. One takes place at the High-level Political Forum, and the other involves the intersection of the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee and the Human Rights Council.