Training for Social Workers: International Criminal Law, Witness Protection, Victims’ Rights and Professional Conduct in Social Work
On 8 May 2026, the International Nuremberg Principles Academy organised a training for social workers on the topic “International Criminal Law, Witness Protection, Victims’ Rights and Professional Conduct in Social Work.” The event brought together practitioners from various fields of social work, particularly from the asylum context, refugee and integration counselling, and psychosocial support.
The training focused on the intersections between social work and international criminal law, and explored the roles social workers may play when confronted with potentially international-crime-related information. Furthermore, participants debated key practical challenges encountered in the day-to-day work of social welfare institutions. Particular attention was given to the professional handling of sensitive information, the perspective of victims and witnesses of international crimes, as well as an awareness of the limitations and possibilities of one’s own role.
The programme comprised an introduction to international criminal law by Astrid Walter, a presentation on aspects of criminal procedural law, particularly on victims’ rights and witness protection by Philipp Graebke, as well as a practice-oriented session led by Dr Gurgen Petrossian focussing on concrete practical options for documentation, and on the importance of confidentiality in social work. Against this backdrop, the training facilitated lively discussions on confidentiality, the possibilities and limitations of documenting and disclosing information, and best practices to act professionally and with legal certainty in the day-to-day work of social welfare institutions. The training was complemented by a guided tour of the historic Courtroom 600.
The training forms part of the Academy’s continuing efforts to strengthen the dialogue between the practice of social work and international criminal law, and to raise awareness of the importance of sensitive, professional, and victim-centred approaches when working with persons affected by international crimes. It thus contributes to improving support for refugees in dealing with experiences of grave violence, whilst strengthening the prosecution of international crimes. (gp, aw)
