Report highlights human rights link to mental health

At any point in time one in six people will have mental health problems, a new report revealed today.

The report, entitled 'Connecting Mental Health and Human Rights', was launched today by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to make the case for much greater respect to be accorded to the human rights of people with mental health problems.

Chief Commissioner, Professor Brice Dickson, said: "This report makes concrete recommendations for the amendment of mental health law, policy and practice in Northern Ireland to ensure compliance with human rights standards.

"It is timely, in view of the Government’s establishment of a review of Mental Health and Learning Disability. We are hopeful that many of our recommendations will be taken on board."

While arguing for increased funding for mental health promotion and community services, the report also highlights areas where human rights standards may currently be being breached.

Involuntary intervention raises particular concerns. For example, in Northern Ireland people who are involuntarily detained may be treated against their will, even if they are mentally capable.

The report recommends that detailed research should be carried out on the use of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) and other potentially irreversible treatments. It also raises serious concerns about the lack of human rights protection within the procedures for detaining people under mental health legislation.

Tuesday's report was co-authored by Gavin Davidson, Maura McCallion and Michael Potter for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. Its findings and recommendations have been endorsed by the Commission.

(MB)