WASHINGTON — The American Psychological Association has adopted a resolution pledging to integrate its longstanding concerns for human rights (PDF, 153KB)opens in new window and related initiatives into a framework that will underpin its decision-making.
“APA prioritizes human rights advocacy and the development of a consistent process to inform public policy and legal decision-making for the protection of human rights,” the resolution says, in part. “ … by adopting a human rights framework, APA will integrate its longstanding concerns for human welfare, public interest, and social justice within a broader international consensus-building process, which will provide clearer guidance and structure for organizational decision-making, including accountability, on issues related to societal good.”
The measure was overwhelmingly adopted by APA’s governing Council of Representatives at its meeting Feb. 27.
“By adopting a human rights framework, APA will incorporate our work for social justice and the public interest within a broader, international framework,” said APA President Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD. “Through this resolution, the association encourages further growth and development of human rights research in psychology, as well as the integration of human rights knowledge into the education and training of psychologists. We encourage psychologists to advocate for people at risk of human rights violations both domestically and globally.”
The resolution grew out of a report by the APA Task Force on Human Rights (PDF, 355KB)opens in new window and builds upon an increased focus on human rights in APA’s strategic plan and Ethics Code. The task force report, which was also accepted by the Council at its February meeting, defines human rights and delineates where psychology intersects with human rights. Together, the task force report and resolution will serve as a roadmap for the association’s human rights work going forward.