Today, 1 July 2016, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a Resolution 
on Mental Health and Human Rights (attached), led by Portugal and 
Brazil and cosponsored by 61 countries, with more countries still joining.

The resolution highlights:

(i)                 that "persons with mental health conditions or 
psychosocial disabilities, in particular persons using mental health 
services, may be subject to, inter alia, widespread discrimination, 
stigma, prejudice, violence, social exclusion and segregation, 
unlawful or arbitrary institutionalization, over-medicalization and 
treatment practices that fail to respect their autonomy, will and 
preferences" and

(ii)               "the need for States to take active steps to fully 
integrate a human rights perspective into mental health and community 
services, particularly with a view to eliminating all forms of 
violence and discrimination within that context, and to promote the 
right of everyone to full inclusion and effective participation in society"

This resolution provides additional impetus to address human rights 
in mental health and also signals a commitment by countries to achieve this.



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