International Correspondence: A Balm for Wounds or a Tool for Domestic Pressure?
Evaluating Effectiveness and the Need for a Results-Oriented Approach
International Correspondence: A Balm for Wounds or a Tool for Domestic Pressure?
Evaluating Effectiveness and the Need for a Results-Oriented Approach
Introduction
Following recent events and the tragic martyrdom of social workers in the context of attacks on Iran, we’ve witnessed a surge of activities, including numerous correspondences from governmental bodies, NGOs, and active civil society organizations within the country to international forums.
These actions aim to garner global attention and condemn these aggressions. Recently, the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) also issued a statement, the Persian translation of which was sent to the ISNA news agency, implicitly condemning the martyrdom of Iranian social workers.
While all these efforts are commendable, this article on the MadadkarNews website intends to analytically and realistically assess the effectiveness of these actions and emphasize the necessity of a results-oriented and tangible approach in these endeavors.
The IFSW Statement: A Step Towards Accountability?
The issuance of a statement by the International Federation of Social Workers, though belated and initially ambiguous in its Persian translation, is considered a positive step towards addressing the expectations of the Iranian social work community. Primarily, a thorough study of the original English text of the statement is crucial for experts and specialists in the field of social work. This detailed examination can clarify the statement’s scope, tone, and main messages, leading to a more accurate assessment of this global organization’s stance. This transparency will not only help resolve ambiguities but also lay the groundwork for a better understanding of future expectations from such bodies.
The Challenge of “Mere Verbal Condemnation”: Why Statements Aren’t Enough
Experience has shown that mere verbal condemnations and statements at the international level hold little significance for colonial and arrogant states.
These nations often prioritize their political and economic interests over any moral or human rights condemnation. In fact, many of these statements from international organizations are issued less with the aim of altering the behavior of hostile countries and more with the objective of alleviating domestic pressure on the member associations and NGOs affiliated with those forums.
This allows these organizations to claim “action” and “accountability,” thereby deflecting criticism from their members.
Therefore, a fundamental question arises: Is the ultimate goal of these correspondences merely to elicit a formal reaction from international organizations, or is the primary objective to achieve practical and tangible results in supporting affected people and social workers? If the goal is only a reaction, statements suffice. However, if we seek real change and an impact on the ground, we must go further.
The Imperative of a Results-Oriented Approach: From Information to Practical Action
As the intellectual and enlightened community of Iran has rightly observed, the verbal reactions of the world have had little impact on the approach of hegemonic powers. Therefore, it is essential that actions taken at the international level are pursued with a focus on being results-driven and yielding tangible and evident outcomes. This approach requires attention to the following points:
- Realistic Goal Setting: Clear and achievable goals must be defined for any international engagement. Is the goal humanitarian aid? Legal pressure? Or merely raising public awareness?
- Shifting from “Pressure for Statements” to “Pressure for Action”: Instead of merely pushing for the issuance of a statement, efforts should focus on demanding practical actions, such as legal support for victims, pursuing the formation of fact-finding committees, or applying effective diplomatic pressure.
- Prioritizing Internal Information Security: A crucial point is attention to internal security protocols. As observed, the Zionist regime severely censors the extent of damages incurred by it due to attacks. Therefore, when providing details of internal events to international organizations, utmost care must be taken to ensure this information is not misused and does not contradict the country’s national interests and security.
- Strengthening Public and Media Diplomacy: In addition to official correspondences, utilizing public and media diplomacy tools to explain the dimensions of the tragedy and the plight of the Iranian people in international forums can be more effective. This includes producing documentary content, organizing awareness campaigns, and leveraging the capabilities of independent global media.
- Internal Synergy: Strengthening coordination among governmental bodies, NGOs, and civil society organizations within the country is essential for adopting a unified and coherent approach in international interactions.
Conclusion
The efforts of governmental and non-governmental organizations in Iran to draw the attention of international bodies to recent events and the martyrdom of social workers are commendable. The statement from the International Federation of Social Workers also represents a step towards addressing these demands. However, these actions should not be limited to mere verbal condemnations.
Historical experience shows that hegemonic powers only react to practical results and real pressure. Therefore, it is essential that all efforts are pursued with a results-oriented and tangible approach, ensuring that while preserving national interests and internal security protocols, they lead to practical outcomes in upholding the rights of the Iranian nation and supporting the victims.
This approach not only responds to the expectations of Iran’s intellectual and enlightened community but also holds the real potential for influencing global public opinion and future actions.
