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Nursing care of vulnerable populations using a framework of cultural competence, social justice and human rights
Dula F Pacquiao
Center for Multicultural Education, Research; Practice Coordinator, Urban Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark NJ, United States of America
Abstract
The article attempts to present a model linking cultural competence with advocacy for social justice and protection of human rights in caring for vulnerable groups such as refugees and asylum seekers. Using the human rights principle focuses the moral obligation to address social inequities and suffering of vulnerable populations.
Cultural competent care and culturally-congruent actions place the universal principles of social justice and protection of human rights within the cultural contexts of people’s lives and the environment in which they are situated.
Compassion is identified as the key component for culturally-competent advocacy for social justice and human rights protection. Compassion compels actions advocating social justice and protection of human rights for marginalised and powerless groups. Educational strategies for developing compassion are centered on collaboration, partnership and advocacy. Integration of experiential and didactic learning relevant to cultural competent care for refugees and asylum seekers are recommended.
Keywords
human rights, ethics, social justice, cultural competence, nursing care of vulnerable populations/refugees/asylum seekers
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