The Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Principles, Context, and Professional Implications

Executive Summary

The Iranian Social Workers‘ Manifesto (oath) serves as a foundational document guiding ethical and effective social work practice within Iran’s distinctive cultural and societal context. This report comprehensively examines the manifesto’s core tenets, its unique integration of Islamic principles, the prevailing challenges in the professionalization of social work in Iran, and its alignment with global ethical standards. The manifesto underscores a profound commitment to ethical conduct and social justice, addressing specific societal needs such as poverty, inequality, and the impact of regional conflicts. While sharing many universal social work values, its explicit incorporation of Islamic teachings positions it as a significant example of how global professional standards are localized and culturally embedded. Despite its aspirational framework, the profession faces considerable challenges, including a fragmented governance structure and issues of inter-association autonomy, which impede consistent ethical oversight and professional development. Recommendations for advancing professionalization emphasize the urgent need for a unified, independent regulatory body, context-specific ethical training, and enhanced inter-association collaboration to ensure the profession’s full potential in serving Iranian citizens.

Iranian Social workers’ manifesto (oath)

Introduction: The Significance of the Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto

The Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto, often referred to as an oath, stands as a pivotal document for guiding ethical and effective social work practice across Iran.1 It embodies a deep commitment to ethical conduct and social justice, articulated within the unique cultural and societal framework of the nation.1 This manifesto extends beyond a mere theoretical declaration; it functions as a practical guide specifically designed to address the pressing needs and challenges prevalent in Iranian society. These challenges include, but are not limited to, issues of poverty, pervasive inequality, the profound impact of international sanctions, and the complexities arising from regional conflicts.1 The document’s direct engagement with these realities highlights its profound relevance to the lived experiences of the Iranian population.

The manifesto’s description as embodying a “profound commitment to ethical practice and social justice within a unique cultural and societal context” 1 reveals its dual nature. While it clearly aligns with universal social work values recognized globally, it explicitly incorporates local nuances, particularly “Islamic Principles and Values”.1 This integration suggests that the manifesto is not a simple replication of Western ethical codes but rather a deliberate and thoughtful adaptation. This makes it a critical case study for understanding how global professional standards are localized and culturally embedded. Its very existence implies a conscious and successful effort to reconcile universal ethical tenets with specific cultural and religious frameworks, which represents a significant achievement in the broader context of global professionalization.

Furthermore, the explicit statement that the manifesto “reflects the specific needs and challenges faced by Iranian society, addressing issues ranging from poverty and inequality to the impact of sanctions and regional conflicts” 1 indicates that this document is more than a static ethical framework. It functions as a dynamic guide, crafted to equip social workers to directly confront tangible, pressing societal issues. This moves beyond a general statement of ethics to underscore its practical, problem-solving orientation. It suggests that the principles within the manifesto are deeply informed by the socio-political realities on the ground in Iran, implying a dynamic and responsive relationship between the ethical framework and the evolving socio-political environment, thereby emphasizing its practical utility.

The Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto: Full Text and Foundational Principles

The Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto serves as a solemn oath, outlining the professional and ethical obligations of social workers in the country. The complete text of this foundational document, officially sealed by the Iran Association of Social Workers 1, an influential professional body established in 1961 3, begins with a profound pledge:

“I, as a professionally skilled social worker, promise to set and implement my professional relations on the basis of…source their privacy, creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals to seek help.1

• Islamic Principles and Values: A distinctive feature of the Iranian manifesto is its explicit integration of Islamic principles and values into the framework of social work practice. This involves upholding ethical principles consistent with Islamic teachings on compassion, justice, and social responsibility.1

Key Responsibilities and Undertakings of Iranian Social Workers

The manifesto outlines specific duties and undertakings that define the professional responsibilities of Iranian social workers. These include a commitment to serving honestly for the betterment and improvement of people, communities, and society. Social workers are expected to prioritize their professional responsibilities over personal interests, even to the extent of sacrificing personal interests for public welfare. Safeguarding client secrets and adhering to privacy policies are explicitly stated as fundamental principles. The manifesto also mandates approaching scientific measures, findings, and theorists’ viewpoints with respect, interpreting them logically, and basing conduct on science, experience, and social work skills. Furthermore, social workers accept the responsibility to offer their scientific and professional beliefs and findings for the improvement of human welfare programs and the development of social services. They undertake to guard and save society by preventing immoral behavior from individuals or organizations involved in social welfare activities unduly, and they declare readiness to provide professional service during emergencies and unpredicted disasters.1

The manifesto also emphasizes the importance of distinguishing clearly and honestly between one’s conduct and speech as a member of society and one’s professional conduct and speech as a representative of an institution. It supports the principle that the profession requires professional education and training and pledges to help develop and maintain conditions that enable social workers to adhere to the manifesto’s provisions. Finally, it mandates that professional judgment not be based on personal demands and emotions, encouraging social workers to understand human feelings and avoid personal prejudice to contribute to the discovery and flourishing of facts. All undertakings and promises are to be accomplished with respect to the priority of issues, as deemed proper in any specific situation, for the fulfillment of the manifesto’s aims, always considering the principles of social work and selecting ways that are in complete accordance with its provisions.1

The manifesto’s text is replete with pledges focusing on individual promises, such as guarding secrets, avoiding prejudice, and prioritizing professional duties.1 Simultaneously, it articulates an overarching objective: “to serve honestly the people, communities and society, in a way that would lead in social conditions betterment and improvement”.1 This reveals a profound dual focus: strict adherence to personal ethical conduct and a broader, proactive commitment to systemic social change. This implies that the Iranian social worker is expected to be both an ethically upright individual actor and a dynamic agent of collective societal advancement, aligning with the transformative goals of social work globally but deeply rooted in a specific cultural context that values communal well-being.

While upholding client confidentiality and trust is explicitly paramount 1, the manifesto extends professional responsibility to include unique undertakings such as “guarding and saving the society and preventing immoral behavior of people or organizations who take part in social welfare activities unduly” 1 and declaring readiness for service during “force majeure and unpredicted disasters”.1 This expands the traditional scope of professional responsibility beyond direct, individual client interaction to encompass broader societal protection and public service in times of crisis. This suggests a more expansive, perhaps collectivist 4, view of the social worker’s role, where they are seen as integral to national resilience and moral guardianship, rather than solely as individual caseworkers.

The manifesto explicitly states, “I approach the scientific measures, findings, and theorists’ viewpoints from the perspective of respect and choose to express and interpret them logically. I strictly believe in the professional principles of Social Work and establish my conduct on the basis of science, experience and Social Working skills”.1 This commitment to evidence-based practice and scientific understanding is juxtaposed with the explicit integration of “Islamic Principles and Values”.1 This implies a unique synthesis where scientific methodology and empirical findings are to be interpreted and applied within an ethical framework that is also profoundly informed by religious and cultural values. This suggests a distinctive epistemological stance where faith and reason are not seen as separate or competing, but rather as integrated components guiding professional practice, reflecting a culturally specific approach to knowledge and ethics.

Table 1: Core Principles and Corresponding Responsibilities in the Iranian Social Workers‘ Manifesto

Core Principle/Value	Corresponding Responsibility/Undertaking (Direct Quote from Manifesto)
Respect for Human Dignity	“serve honestly the people, communities and society, in a way that would lead in social conditions betterment and improvement” 1
Social Justice and Equality	“advocate for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations, challenging discrimination and working towards a more equitable society” 1
Professional Integrity and Accountability	“prefer my professional responsibilities to my personal interests and try my best to sacrifice my personal interests for the public welfare” 1
Confidentiality and Trust	“guard people’s secretes from those to whom the disclosure is not allowed and accept the privacy policy” 1
Islamic Principles and Values	“upholding ethical principles consistent with Islamic teachings on compassion, justice, and social responsibility” 1
Scientific Rigor and Professional Skill	“approach the scientific measures, findings, and theorists’ viewpoints from the perspective of respect and choose to express and interpret them logically. I strictly believe in the professional principles of Social Work and establish my conduct on the basis of science, experience and Social Working skills” 1
Societal Protection and Crisis Response	“try my best in guarding and saving the society and preventing immoral behavior of people or organizations who take part in social welfare activities unduly. I declare my readiness for offering the required professional service at the time of force majeure and unpredicted disasters” 1
Professional Boundaries and Objectivity	“discriminate between my conduct and speech as a member of the society, and my professional conduct and speech as a representative of an institute in society… I undertake not to base my professional judgment on personal demands and emotions. I try to understand human’s feelings and avoid personal prejudice so as to contribute to the discovery and flourish of facts” 1
Commitment to Professional Development	“support the principle that and profession requires professional education and training. I promise to help develop and maintain the conditions which enable the social workers in various centers behave in accordance to this manifesto” 1

Historical Development and Cultural Context of Social Work in Iran

Social work in Iran possesses a rich historical tapestry, with its roots tracing back thousands of years to traditional charity and philanthropic activities within communities.5 The modern academic discipline of social work, however, commenced with the establishment of the Tehran School of Social Work in 1958. This pivotal institution was founded by Sattareh Farman Farmaian, who is widely recognized for establishing the social work profession in Iran.5 Her pioneering work had a profound and lasting impact on the people of her country, enduring even after her forced exile during the 1979 Iranian Revolution.5 This historical detail is significant because it demonstrates that despite a monumental political and ideological shift, the foundational principles and structures laid down for social work persisted and continued to influence the profession. This highlights the resilience of professional institutions and the lasting impact of pioneering figures, suggesting that the core values of social work can transcend specific political regimes and continue to shape practice even under dramatically altered circumstances.

The evolution of social work education in Iran reflects a hybrid system, drawing influences from both North American and Western European social work models.5 Critically, this imported knowledge is complemented by modules specifically tailored to Iranian and Islamic perspectives.5 This description reveals a deliberate and active process of cultural and intellectual synthesis. It is not a passive adoption but an active adaptation, indicating a nuanced approach to professional development that seeks to be both globally relevant and locally resonant. This has profound implications for how ethical frameworks are understood and applied, as they must navigate both universal professional standards and specific cultural and religious mandates, potentially leading to unique interpretations and applications of ethical principles in practice. Today, social workers in Iran operate in diverse settings, playing significant roles within both statutory and voluntary organizations, with the national Rehabilitation and Welfare organization being a major employer of qualified social workers across all Iranian provinces.5

A defining characteristic of social work ethics in Iran is the explicit influence of Islamic teachings. The Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto explicitly integrates Islamic principles and values, aligning with Islamic teachings on compassion, justice, and social responsibility.1 Academic discourse confirms that, despite some historical debates and calls for a complete reconstruction of social work knowledge based on an Islamic perspective, there is “ultimately no conflict between the values of social work and the values of Islam”.2 This suggests a successful, or at least intended, harmonization rather than a fundamental clash. The alignment between Islamic teachings on compassion, justice, social responsibility 1, and economic ethics 7 with core social work values implies that the Islamic framework can provide a culturally legitimate and reinforcing foundation for social work ethics in Iran. This potentially strengthens adherence and relevance within the local context, challenging any simplistic Western-centric view that assumes a secular foundation is universally necessary for professional ethics. Islamic teachings provide a robust ethical framework, emphasizing principles such as pursuing work that benefits others, earning wealth legitimately, ensuring quality of work, providing fair and timely wages, promoting self-reliance, and condemning practices like monopoly and bribery.7 These principles resonate strongly with core social work values.

Several key professional associations contribute to the Iranian social work community. The Iranian Social Workers Association (IASW), established in 1961 and a member of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) since 2012, is one of the oldest and most influential bodies.3 The Scientific Association of Social Work in Iran focuses on the academic and professional development of social work graduates.8 Additionally, the Association of Social Work Clinics of Iran represents private social work clinics licensed by the State Welfare Organization.8

Challenges in the Professionalization and Governance of Social Work in Iran

Despite the foundational ethical framework provided by the manifesto and the historical presence of social work, the professionalization of the field in Iran faces significant structural and organizational challenges. The social work landscape is characterized as a “vital but fragmented field,” notably lacking a “clear, centralized governing body”.8 This fragmentation persists despite the existence of multiple national and provincial associations, including the influential Iranian Social Workers Association, the Scientific Association of Social Work in Iran, and the Association of Social Work Clinics of Iran. The absence of a “unified, specialized system to oversee its standards, ethics, and practice” 8 remains a critical impediment. While the Iranian Social Workers Association is recognized as “one of the oldest and most influential professional bodies” 8, its scope is “primarily limited to its members” and it does not function as a comprehensive regulatory body for the entire profession.8 This creates a paradox where a key association holds significant historical and informal influence but lacks the formal, legally recognized authority to set nationwide standards or enforce ethics across the entire field. This fragmented authority likely contributes significantly to the “patchwork” landscape and the “unfulfilled promise of a unified system,” as influence without comprehensive regulatory power can lead to inconsistencies and a lack of accountability across the broader professional landscape. This implies that while there is an established professional voice, it struggles to translate into unified, enforceable professionalization.

A significant and ongoing challenge within Iran’s social work community is the “lack of independence between these different professional groups”.8 Historically, the Iranian Social Workers Association has exerted considerable influence, both directly and indirectly, over the Association of Social Work Clinics. This influence, sometimes manifested through overlapping leadership where local representatives from one association hold positions in another, has “hindered the clinics’ association from establishing its own independent identity and operational framework”.8 Such dynamics often blur the lines of responsibility and authority.8 This dynamic is a critical impediment to the broader professionalization process. Autonomy is crucial for a profession to effectively self-regulate, innovate, and develop robust standards tailored to diverse practice areas. The lack of it suggests that even well-intentioned efforts might be undermined by existing hierarchical or informal power structures, leading to a stagnation in achieving unified governance and consistent ethical practice across all sectors of social work.

The impact of these challenges is profound, particularly concerning professional standards, licensing, and ethical oversight. Repeated attempts to establish a unified professional body, such as the proposed “Iranian Social Work System Organization,” have “consistently failed to be approved”.8 The absence of such a unified system leaves the profession without a single point of reference for professional licensing, consistent ethical oversight, and quality control across the country.8 This directly impacts the profession’s ability to consistently apply and enforce the ethical principles outlined in the manifesto. Without a clear, centralized regulatory framework, there is an inherent risk of inconsistent ethical practice, significant difficulty in addressing professional misconduct, and a potential erosion of public trust in the social work profession as a whole. This broader implication suggests that the structural issues are not merely administrative or organizational but have direct and profound consequences for the integrity, credibility, and public perception of social work in Iran.

Table 3: Major Challenges to Social Work Professionalization in Iran

Challenge Category	Specific Challenge	Implication for Professionalization
Governance Structure	Lack of a centralized governing body 8	Inconsistent standards and practices nationwide; no single point of reference for the profession.
Governance Structure	Fragmented associations with limited scope 8	Limited regulatory power of existing bodies; inability to oversee the entire profession.
Inter-Association Dynamics	Lack of independence and autonomy among professional groups 8	Hindered independent development and innovation for specific practice areas (e.g., clinics).
Inter-Association Dynamics	Historical influence and overlapping leadership 8	Blurring of responsibility and authority; stagnation in achieving unified governance.
Regulatory Gaps	Failed attempts at establishing a unified system (e.g., Iranian Social Work System Organization) 8	Absence of clear professional licensing, consistent ethical oversight, and quality control.
Regulatory Gaps	Inconsistent application and enforcement of ethical principles 8	Risk of professional misconduct; potential erosion of public trust in the profession.

Application of Ethical Principles and Navigating Dilemmas in Practice

Ethical conduct forms the fundamental basis of social work practice in Iran, ensuring professional behavior and safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable populations.9 The core ethical principles guiding practice in Iran largely align with international standards, such as those articulated in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. These principles include: Service, Social Justice, Dignity and Worth of the Person, Importance of Human Relationships, Integrity, and Competence.9 These principles are expected to be operationalized in the daily interactions and interventions of social workers.

While the core ethical principles (Service, Social Justice, Dignity, Relationships, Integrity, Competence) are largely consistent with international social work ethics 9, the Iranian manifesto uniquely integrates “Islamic Principles and Values”.1 This suggests that while the categories of ethical principles may be universal, their interpretation, prioritization, and application in Iran are filtered through a specific cultural and religious lens. This implies that ethical practice in Iran demands not only adherence to universal standards but also a deep cultural competence that understands how these principles are embodied within an Islamic framework, potentially influencing practical approaches or the resolution of specific dilemmas.

Social workers in Iran frequently encounter complex ethical dilemmas in their practice. These challenges commonly involve balancing client confidentiality with the duty to warn, particularly in situations where a client expresses suicidal ideation or poses an imminent danger to themselves or others. Other recurring dilemmas include ensuring informed consent, avoiding dual relationships, maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, and developing cultural competence to work effectively with diverse populations.9

The application of ethical principles becomes particularly challenging during crises. For instance, a study on ethical issues in COVID-19 research in Iran highlighted significant problems related to “substantive ethical values principles,” the “Research Environment,” and “Research Governance and Management”.11 The study noted difficulties in applying existing ethical standards under severe time constraints, immense pressure on healthcare systems, limited access to resources, and the widespread dissemination of misinformation.11 Despite the presence of a national ethics review system with over 200 accredited committees, the ethical evaluation of research projects during the pandemic faced considerable hurdles.11 This vividly illustrates that general ethical standards, while foundational, may be insufficient or difficult to apply effectively under extreme pressure. The challenges in research ethics during COVID-19 can be seen as a microcosm for broader ethical application issues in social work practice during any large-scale crisis or emergency. This points to a critical vulnerability: while ethical frameworks exist, the infrastructure for their consistent application and oversight is not robust enough to withstand periods of extreme stress. This implies that the fragmented governance and lack of unified oversight (as discussed in Section 4) are not merely administrative issues but practical impediments to ethical practice, especially when societal needs are most acute.

To navigate these complex ethical challenges, a structured approach is proposed to assist practitioners in making well-informed decisions:

1. Identify the problem: Clearly articulate the ethical issue at hand, considering relevant ethical principles, potential conflicts, and all involved stakeholders.9
2. Consider the relevant ethical code: Refer to the Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto and, where applicable, international frameworks like the NASW Code of Ethics for specific guidance.9
3. Consult Sources: Seek supervision, consult with experienced colleagues, or explore relevant ethical literature for additional perspectives and potential solutions.9
4. Evaluate Options: Brainstorm possible solutions and meticulously analyze the potential outcomes of each course of action, both for the client and any other affected parties.9
5. Implement a Decision and Document: Choose the solution that best aligns with ethical principles and the well-being of the client, carefully documenting the decision-making process and its rationale.9
6. Reflect and Evaluate: Review and reflect on the situation, the decision made, and the outcomes. This reflective process is crucial for informing future practice and fostering continuous professional learning.9

The detailed structured approach to resolving ethical dilemmas, including identifying the problem, consulting sources, evaluating options, and documenting decisions, is explicitly outlined.9 This indicates a clear recognition that simply stating ethical principles is insufficient; social workers require a practical, systematic methodology for navigating complex, real-world conflicts. The emphasis on this structured approach suggests that ethical dilemmas are a common and significant part of practice, necessitating systematic training, supervision, and support. This implies that effective ethical practice is not solely about moral conviction but about developing critical thinking skills and a systematic process for applying principles in ambiguous situations, particularly within a context that presents unique cultural and governance complexities.

Comparative Analysis: Iranian Social Work Ethics and Global Standards

A comparative examination reveals both significant commonalities and distinct features between the Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto and international ethical frameworks, such as those promulgated by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW).

Similarities and Distinctions with International Ethical Frameworks

Commonalities: The Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto shares substantial core principles with leading international ethical frameworks. These include fundamental values such as Respect for Human Dignity, Social Justice and Equality, Professional Integrity and Accountability, and Confidentiality and Trust.1 These align closely with the NASW Code of Ethics, which emphasizes values like Service, Social Justice, Dignity and Worth of the Person, Importance of Human Relationships, Integrity, and Competence.9 Similarly, the IFSW Global Statement of Ethical Principles includes recognition of inherent dignity, promoting human rights, promoting social justice, and promoting self-determination.14 This substantial overlap suggests a universal foundation for social work ethics that transcends specific national or cultural boundaries.

Distinctions: A key distinguishing feature of the Iranian manifesto is its explicit integration of “Islamic Principles and Values”.1 This involves upholding ethical principles consistent with Islamic teachings on compassion, justice, and social responsibility. While other global codes may implicitly accommodate diverse cultural values, the Iranian manifesto makes this integration explicit, highlighting a deliberate and formalized cultural adaptation.

A direct comparison reveals substantial overlap in core ethical principles between the Iranian manifesto and international codes. However, the explicit inclusion of “Islamic Principles and Values” in the Iranian context is a clear and significant distinction. This suggests that while social work ethics share a universal foundation, their specific articulation, emphasis, and perhaps even their prioritization are shaped by local cultural, religious, and societal contexts. It is not a complete divergence but rather an integration, where universal values are interpreted and reinforced through a culturally specific moral framework. This implies that effective international collaboration and a nuanced understanding of global social work require appreciating these localized interpretations rather than assuming a monolithic global standard.

Discussion on Universal vs. Culturally Specific Ethical Conceptualizations

Academic discourse largely supports the notion of a “congruence in the quality of social work in all cultures” and that “Broadly, social work values and principles are global,” with “no conflict between social work and Islam or Arabic cultures”.2 This perspective reinforces the idea that core values in social work are indeed universal.

However, scholars also engage in discussions concerning the need for an “Islamic basis for modern social work” or even a “reconstruction of all social work knowledge based on an Islamic perspective,” though some maintain that aspects of established knowledge are universally useful.2 This nuanced discussion points to the ongoing effort to ensure relevance and cultural resonance within the Iranian context.

Cultural differences, particularly between Eastern (often characterized by collectivist orientations and an emphasis on social and moral values) and Western (often individualistic, valuing novelty and individual success) conceptualizations, can significantly influence the application of ethical principles.2 For example, in early childhood policy, Iranian approaches might emphasize educator guidance for group problem-solving, whereas Western approaches might prioritize child control and freedom of expression.4 This illustrates that while the underlying values may be similar, their practical manifestation can differ based on cultural context and societal priorities.

Despite some academic debates regarding “Islamic fundamentalist arguments against social work” 6, the prevailing view, and the explicit content of the Iranian manifesto, strongly indicate “no conflict between the values of social work and the values of Islam”.2 Islamic teachings on compassion, justice, social responsibility 1, and economic ethics 7 align directly and powerfully with social work’s core commitments to service, social justice, and human dignity. This implies that for Iranian social workers, their religious beliefs can serve as a profound reinforcement of their professional ethics, providing an additional layer of moral imperative and cultural legitimacy to their practice. This challenges any simplistic Western-centric view that assumes a secular foundation is universally necessary for professional ethics, demonstrating how religious frameworks can be integral to and strengthen ethical professional practice.

The comparative analysis also highlights a general difference between Eastern (collectivist) and Western (individualistic) conceptualizations.2 This provides a crucial lens through which to interpret the Iranian manifesto’s emphasis on responsibilities that extend beyond individual client well-being to broader societal welfare. For example, “guarding and saving the society and preventing immoral behavior of people or organizations” 1 and readiness for “force majeure and unpredicted disasters” 1 explicitly integrate collective protection. This suggests that the collectivist orientation of Iranian culture might translate into a broader scope of ethical responsibility for social workers, where the well-being of the community and society as a whole is explicitly integrated into their professional oath, potentially more so than in purely individualistic ethical frameworks. This highlights a culturally informed expansion of professional duty.

The Iran Association of Social Workers’ membership in IFSW 3 and IFSW’s public statements of solidarity with Iranian social workers 16 further underscore the shared commitment to human dignity and human rights, despite contextual differences in ethical articulation.

Table 2: Comparative Overview of Key Ethical Principles: Iranian Manifesto vs. International Standards (NASW/IFSW)

Ethical Principle/Value	Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto (Key Statement/Emphasis)	NASW Code of Ethics (Key Statement/Emphasis)	IFSW Global Statement (Key Statement/Emphasis)	Commonalities/Distinctions
Respect for Human Dignity	“inherent worth and dignity of every individual, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or social standing” 1	“respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person” 13	“recognition of the inherent dignity of humanity” 15	Strong alignment; universal core value.
Social Justice	“strong commitment to social justice and equality… advocate for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations” 1	“challenge social injustice. Social workers pursue social change” 13	“promoting social justice” 15	Strong alignment; universal core value.
Professional Integrity	“maintaining high ethical standards and professional integrity… accountability to clients, the profession, and the wider community” 1	“behave in a trustworthy manner. Social workers act honestly and responsibly” 13	“professional integrity” (implied through ethical principles) 15	Strong alignment.
Confidentiality	“upholding client confidentiality and respecting their privacy” 1	“Social workers should respect clients’ right to privacy” (implied from Code of Ethics) 9	“confidentiality” (implied in ethical practice) 17	Strong alignment.
Service	“serve honestly the people, communities and society, in a way that would lead in social conditions betterment and improvement” 1	“primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems” 13	“promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships” 14	Strong alignment.
Importance of Human Relationships	“Building and maintaining trust with clients is paramount” 1	“recognize the central importance of human relationships” 13	“problem solving in human relationships” 14	Strong alignment.
Competence	“strictly believe in the professional principles of Social Work and establish my conduct on the basis of science, experience and Social Working skills” 1	“practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise” 13	“Global standards for the education and training of the social work profession” 14	Strong alignment; emphasizes ongoing development.
Islamic Principles	Explicitly integrates “Islamic Principles and Values… consistent with Islamic teachings on compassion, justice, and social responsibility” 1	Not explicitly stated; implicitly accommodated through cultural competence.	Not explicitly stated; implicitly accommodated through cultural sensitivity.	Explicitly integrated in Iranian context; implicitly covered or accommodated in global frameworks.

Conclusion: The Manifesto’s Role in Shaping Iranian Social Work

The Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto stands as a vital guide for ethical and effective social work practice in Iran.1 It provides a comprehensive framework for navigating complex ethical dilemmas, advocating for social justice, and empowering individuals and communities.1 The manifesto plays a crucial role in encouraging ongoing reflection and dialogue about ethical practice, promoting professional development and training, and fostering a strong sense of community among social workers.1 Adherence to its principles enables social workers to contribute significantly to addressing the complex social challenges facing Iran and building a more hopeful future for its citizens.1

The emphasis on the manifesto’s role in encouraging “ongoing reflection and dialogue about ethical practice, promotes professional development and training, and fosters a strong sense of community among social workers” 1 indicates that this document is not merely a static ethical document but an active, dynamic tool for shaping professional identity and encouraging collective action. In a professional landscape characterized by fragmentation and a lack of unified governance (as detailed in Section 4), such a unifying ethical document becomes even more critical. It serves to foster solidarity, a shared sense of purpose, and a collective professional identity among practitioners, effectively acting as a moral compass that also functions as an organizational and community-building instrument, particularly in the absence of more formal, unified regulatory structures.

Recommendations for Advancing Professionalization and Ethical Practice

Based on the comprehensive analysis of the Iranian Social Workers’ Manifesto, its historical context, and the current challenges facing the profession, several key recommendations emerge for advancing professionalization and ensuring consistent ethical practice in Iran:

Establishing a Unified and Autonomous Governing Body

There is an urgent need for a new model for professional governance in Iranian social work.8 This new model should respect the autonomy of each professional group while simultaneously establishing an overarching, independent regulatory body.8 Such a unified body would provide a clear framework for professional licensing, ethical oversight, and quality control, addressing the current void in these critical areas.8 The repeated emphasis throughout the analysis on the “lack of a centralized governing body” and “fragmented associations” 8 directly correlates with the absence of “professional licensing, ethical oversight, and quality control”.8 Therefore, the primary recommendation for establishing a unified, independent regulatory body is not merely an administrative suggestion but a fundamental requirement for ensuring consistent ethical practice across the entire profession and for building and maintaining public trust. Without such a robust structure, the noble principles articulated in the manifesto, however well-intentioned, risk inconsistent application and inadequate enforcement, ultimately undermining the profession’s credibility. This implies that the ethical integrity of social work in Iran is deeply intertwined with its structural governance.

Developing Context-Specific Ethical Frameworks and Training

Lessons gleaned from ethical challenges encountered during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the necessity to develop crisis-specific ethical frameworks.11 This includes strengthening research ethics infrastructure and training, and establishing more transparent standards and oversight systems.11 These measures can be extended to broader social work practice, enhancing the practical application of ethics in unique Iranian contexts, including those impacted by sanctions or regional conflicts.1 The ethical challenges identified during the COVID-19 pandemic vividly illustrate that general ethical standards, while foundational, may be insufficient or difficult to apply effectively under extreme pressure. The recommendation to “develop crisis-specific ethical frameworks” and “strengthen research ethics infrastructure and training” 11 extends beyond research to general social work practice. This implies that true professionalization efforts should not only focus on establishing overarching governance but also on developing specialized ethical guidelines and training programs that address unique, context-specific challenges, such as those arising from sanctions, regional conflicts, or public health emergencies, as highlighted in the manifesto’s context.1 This proactive approach would significantly enhance the practical utility, relevance, and resilience of the ethical framework in real-world, high-stakes situations.

Fostering Inter-Association Collaboration and Autonomy

Addressing the historical “lack of independence between these different professional groups” 8 is crucial for the advancement of the profession. Promoting genuine autonomy for associations, such as the Association of Social Work Clinics, free from undue influence, would foster healthy competition and allow for diverse approaches to advancing social work goals.8 The observation that the Iranian Social Workers Association has “historically exerted considerable influence” over other associations, hindering their “independent identity and operational framework” 8, is a critical structural impediment. The recommendation for a new governance model that “respects the autonomy of each professional group” 8 is not just about fairness or organizational structure but about fostering a dynamic, innovative, and competitive professional environment. Autonomy allows different associations to innovate, specialize, and collectively advance the field through diverse approaches, rather than being stifled by a dominant entity. This implies that true professionalization requires a balance: centralized oversight for consistency and accountability, coupled with decentralization of influence and fostering autonomy to allow for both unity and diversity in practice and professional development.

Promoting Continuous Professional Development and Ethical Reflection

It is essential to encourage ongoing professional development and training, as highlighted by the manifesto itself.1 This should be complemented by supporting regular ethical reflection and dialogue among social workers, utilizing the structured ethical decision-making approach outlined in the manifesto 9 to navigate complex dilemmas effectively. This continuous learning and reflective practice are vital for maintaining the high standards articulated in the manifesto and adapting to the evolving needs of Iranian society.