This book is an overview of human rights ideas and laws for social workers that stresses the importance of human rights in all types of social work policy and practice. After reviewing the history of human rights, the book addresses human rights issues relating to vulnerable groups (e.g., women, children, disabled persons, the HIV- or AIDS-infected population, gays and lesbians, victims of racism, and older persons) and discusses the international aspects of human rights. The book concludes with the application of human rights to social work practice and illustrative case studies.