19 June 2020

STATEMENT ON SYSTEMIC RACISM

The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) condemns systemic racism and stands insolidarity with the global Black Lives Matter movement .
Systemic racism exists. Systemic racism is an abuse of human rights and actions need to be louder
than words. Condemning racism is not enough, systemic racism needs to be addressed as a global
priority. Occupational therapists, assistants, and students must be committed to freedom and justicein their own communities, and as professional global citizens.
Since its inception in 1952, WFOT has advocated for human rights. It always will. As a diverse andvibrant global community of occupational therapists, assistants, and students, WFOT is represented
by 101 national occupational therapy associations worldwide. Its responsibility is to provide a unified
voice for the profession and our work is informed by the collective voice of member organisations. To
structure is based on a one country, one vote principle.
Therapy andpromote occupational rights as the actualisation of human rights 1. You, we, us have a responsibility toadvocate for change. It is imperative that occupational therapists address the systemic discrimination,oppression and injustices that are pervasive in health and social services around the world. Action isrequired to address the social determinants of health that currently impede justice and equity. Suchdeterminants include racism, poverty, economic restrictions, discrimination, displacement, disasters,conflict, and historically oppressive systems.
Throughout its history, WFOT has published, led, and advocated for human rights, diversity, andcultural safety. It has also challenged and campaigned for change at a systems level, for example,
strengthening its commitment to human rights with greater emphasis within education and theMinimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists (2016). But we also recognise that
this is not enough. WFOT is committed to continued and intentional action to promote human rights,
both internally within the operations of the Federation, as well as through education, resource
development and advocacy.
itment will include the progression of strategies andinitiatives to lead and advocate for human rights and ensuring it remains an integral part of the global
occupational therapy agenda.
This is a call to action for us as an organisation and for all occupational therapists, students, andassistants around the world. A call to support the global movement for justice, advocate for humanrights, and lead change. To deliver action and meaningful change, WFOT has shared resources toStatement on Systemic Racism

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progress this urgent call to action, including its advocacy toolkit, position statements and a dedicatedinteractive forum for discussion, debate, and feedback.
WFOT, its Member Organisations, occupational therapists, assistants, and students are obligated tosupport occupational justice and human rights. WFOT affirms its commitment to challenge andaddress systemic racism and continue to advocate for people, communities, and societies.

References
1. World Federation of Occupational Therapists (2019). Position Statement Occupational Therapy and HumanRights. Retrieved from https://www.wfot.org/resources/occupational-therapy-and-human-rights

Related Resources
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (2020). Advocacy Toolkit. Retrieved fromhttps://www.wfot.org/resources/advocacy-toolkit
World Federation of Occupational Therapists Occupational Therapy International Online Network(2020). Occupational Therapy Advocacy relating to Systemic Racism. Available at: https://otion.wfot.org/
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (2010). Position Statement Client-centredness in Occupational
Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.wfot.org/resources/client-centredness-in-occupational-therapy
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (2010). Position Statement Consumer Interface with OccupationalTherapy. Retrieved from https://www.wfot.org/resources/consumer-interface-with-occupational-therapy
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (2010). Position Statement Diversity and culture. Retrieved fromhttps://www.wfot.org/resources/diversity-and-culture
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (2014). Position Statement Human displacement. Retrieved fromhttps://www.wfot.org/resources/human-displacement
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (2020). Human Resources Project. Retrieved fromhttps://www.wfot.org/resources/occupational-therapy-human-resources-project-2020-alphabetical

Statement on Systemic Racism

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