THEORY OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN SOCIAL WORK WITH WAR VETERANS: GUARANTEES OF EQUAL ACCESS TO SERVICES

Abstract

Introduction. The article substantiates that the prolonged military conflict causes an increase in the number of defenders who need comprehensive social support, which makes it especially important to ensure equal access to quality social services. In view of this, the goal is to theoretically substantiate the application of the theory of justice and human rights in social work with veterans to ensure guarantees of equal access to social services. Scientific novelty: the main provisions of J. Rawls’s theory of justice and the concept of human rights in the context of providing social services to war veterans were analyzed; the current state of the provision of social services to veterans in Ukraine was investigated and the main problems associated with equal access to social services were outlined, taking into account J. Rawls’s theory of justice; recommendations were developed to improve the system of social support for veterans, taking into account the principles of justice and human rights. Conclusions. Based on the analysis of J. Rawls’ scholarly works and contemporary studies by Ukrainian researchers, the principles of justice are characterized, including the “veil of ignorance”, the principle of equal opportunities, and the difference principle, which have direct significance for improving the system of social assistance to veterans. It is shown that the current practice of providing social services is marked by unevenness and the presence of barriers that limit access to medical, rehabilitation, and psychological services. The article demonstrates that the application of human rights theory in social work with veterans promotes adherence to the principles of equality, non-discrimination, respect for dignity, and active participation in social life. Recommendations are proposed to improve the system of social support for male and female veterans through the decentralization of service provision, enhancement of targeting, the implementation of gender-sensitive approaches, and the strengthening of the human rights orientation of social policy. The implementation of these recommendations will contribute to improving the effectiveness of social work and the development of a just support system focused on the value of human dignity.