This book argues that incorporating the idea of three 'generations' of human rights allows us to move beyond the limitations of conventional legal frameworks. It examines current human rights issues and shows how a broader understanding of human rights can be used to ground a form of practice that is central to social work, community development and broader human services. The argument extends the idea of human rights beyond the realm of theoretical analysis, and into the arena of professional practice and social action, using a critical theory perspective. This is set within the context of current debates about globalisation and the need to incorporate an internationalist viewpoint into all social work practice. This insightful new international study adds a vital new perspective to the challenge of promoting international human rights.

"...Ife proposes a broader understanding of human rights that can be used to ground community development practices and broaden human services." Law and Social Inquiry

"Ife's timely book may spark a renewed interest in human rights in social work. Its case for integrating a human rights perspective into social work is an important one. The book offers an excellent overview of the historical evolution of human rights..." Social Development Issues