Indian Journal of Psychiatry / Mental health and human rights: working in partnership with persons with a lived experience and their families and friends

Open Access

Abstract

The concept of human rights increasingly defines the discourse on ethical, moral, and legal frameworks of nations as well as international organizations. Their international and universal character was set out in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reinforced consistently ever since. At the same time, discussions on differences regarding their interpretation and application involve all of us on a daily basis on a political, professional, and personal level. Although human rights are promoted in a wider perspective and all population groups fall under their protection, there are on-going discourses around the world over the human rights needs of individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and those experiencing mental health problems. Reports have confirmed the severity of human rights violations among this group almost in all cultures and countries though there are variations in frequency, intensity or severity. The practices and policies to follow human rights also change from one country to another with a number of concerns for disparities. ; (VLID)6125630