According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of Iran’s State Welfare Organization, Joachim Cuthbert Mumba responded to a letter from Seyed Hassan Mousavi Chelak, President of the Iranian Association of Social Workers, regarding the attacks. Mumba wrote: “In these times of uncertainty, fear, and turmoil, my heart is with you. True strength lies in compassion, understanding, and dialogue—not in violence.”
He added: “I sincerely hope that reason will prevail, diplomatic channels will be restored, and the way forward will be one of negotiation, respect for territorial sovereignty, and shared humanity.”
Addressing social workers, Mumba expressed deep admiration and solidarity: “To those of you standing on the front lines of care, support, and community resilience, I offer my highest respect. Your work strengthens hope, human dignity, and recovery—even in the most difficult moments. May the people you serve find comfort in your presence and resilience, and may peace find its way into every heart and home.”
Mumba continued: “Remember that many people around the world are praying for your safety, that of your families, and for an end to widespread violence. I hope the spirit of dialogue, empathy, and humanity overcomes war, and that your courage becomes a source of light in these challenging days.”
Pascal Rudin, Acting Secretary-General of the IFSW, also replied to Mousavi Chelak’s letter concerning the conflict. He wrote: “We are following the news with deep concern and are thinking of you and your colleagues during these extremely difficult days. Reports of escalating tensions and attacks across several cities, and their growing impact on humanitarian services, are deeply troubling.”
He added: “I sincerely hope that you (social workers), your families, and your service teams remain safe and are able to endure this very challenging situation.”
What was the letter sent by the Iranian Association of Social Workers?
Following the attacks on Iran, the Iranian Association of Social Workers, within the framework of international treaties—including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Fourth Geneva Convention, the goals of the International Federation of Social Workers, and the professional code of ethics of social work—sent a letter from Seyed Hassan Mousavi Chelak to the IFSW President and Acting Secretary-General. The letter outlined the country’s situation, including the deaths of more than 160 students at the Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab, the destruction of public service centers such as social and welfare facilities, and the deaths of persons with disabilities. The letter called for an official condemnation of the attacks. Additional correspondence was also sent to the UN Secretary-General, the Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission, the Executive Director of UNICEF, and the Director-General of UNESCO.
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