Human Rights - Publications and Reports
On this page you can search for publications and reports focused on human rights and disability by topic or by organization.
Publications and Reports by Topic:
Disability
General Human Rights
Mental Health
Publications and Reports by Organization:
Council of Europe (CoE)
European Union (EU)
Other United Nations Agencies and Offices
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Publications and Reports by Topic
Disability Rights, Gender, and Development: A Resource Tool for Action (2008) from the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs; United Nations Population Fund; Wellesley Centers for Women. This tool provides valuable insights on the theory and practice of human rights-based approaches to development and contributes to this body of knowledge by designing innovative approaches to the implementation of the CPRD in gender and child sensitive development activities.
Human Rights. YES!: Action and Advocacy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2007) by Janet E. Lord et al, from the University of Minnesota Human Rights Center, is a resource for human rights educators and activists. It applies a participatory learning approach to the new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and addresses principal areas of advocacy. It also focuses on advocacy for the rights of particular populations such as children, women, and others facing multiple forms of discrimination due to their minority status.
Human Rights and Guardianship in the Czech Republic: Analysis of law and policy (2007), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, examines laws in the Czech Republic that relate to guardianship and offers recommendations designed to improve laws and respect given to the human rights of people with disabilities.
This Ability: An International Legal Analysis of Disability Discrimination (2007), by Anne-Marie Mooney Cotter, provides readers with a better understanding of the issue of inequality and aims to increase the likelihood of achieving equality at both the national and international levels for those with disabilities while at the same time educating those without disabilities. The book is available for purchase from Research and Markets.
Training Manual on the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2007), by Giampiero Griffo and Francesca Ortali (ed.) is a training manual to promote the participation of the organizations of people with disabilities and their families in the process of ratifying, monitoring and implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Rights of People with Intellectual Disabilities: Access to Education and Employment (2006), produced by OSI's EU Monitoring and Advocacy Program (EUMAP) and the Open Society Mental Health Initiative, is a series of 14 country reports on the rights of people with intellectual disabilities in Europe, focusing on education and employment. The reports monitor the degree to which existing international standards and national legislation are heeded and applied. Each report includes specific policy recommendations targeting both domestic and international decision-makers.
Access to Education and Employment for People with Intellectual Disabilities: An Overview of the Situation in Central and Eastern Europe (2006) is the Open Society Mental Health Initiative's overview paper based on information from the above monitoring reports on access to education and employment for people with intellectual disabilities.
The Situation of People with Mental Health Problems and People with Intellectual Disabilities in Kosova/Kosovo (2006), a needs-based assessment report by the Kosova/Kosovo Association of Psychology Students and the Open Society Mental Health Initiative, describes the situation of people with mental disabilities in Kosova/Kosovo, outlines the legal framework and the services that are available, and surveys future plans and projects for improving services.
The Situation of People with Mental Health Problems and People with Intellectual Disabilities in Georgia (2006), by the Georgian Association for Mental Health and the Open Society Mental Health Initiative, analyzes legislation and policy, assesses the availability of community-based services, and makes recommendations for improvement. The report emphasizes the need to develop community-based services as alternatives to institutional care.
Focus Report on the Right of Children with Disabilities to Live in the Community (2006), by the European Coalition for Community Living (ECCL), recommends what actions must be taken to ensure that families of children with disabilities receive the support they need for those children to grow up in their families and together with other children.
The film Living Proof: The Right to Live in the Community (2006), produced by the Association for Promoting Inclusion and WITNESS, depicts the stories of people with intellectual disabilities who have spent a large portion of their lives in long-term institutions and are now living in their own apartments. Read a Press Release about the film.
Mental Disabilities and the Human Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health (2006), by Paul Hunt and Judith Mesquita, explores the right to health as it relates to persons with mental disabilities. It argues that a human rights approach, including participation, autonomy, dignity, inclusion, monitoring, and accountability, should guide all relevant actions. The paper is published in Human Rights Quarterly - Volume 28, Number 2, May 2006, pp. 332-356.
The Council of Europe Action Plan to Promote the Rights and Full Participation of People with Disabilities in Society: Improving the Quality of Life of People with Disabilities in Europe 2006-2015 (2006) promotes a shift from a medical to a social and human rights-based approach to disability. It is intended to serve as a policy framework for the coming decade and a roadmap for policy-makers. Also available in Easy-to-read version.
The Right to Education of Persons with Disabilities (2007), by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, addresses the right of persons with disabilities to inclusive education and to learn together with children without disabilities.
Human Rights in Mental Health Care in Baltic Countries (2006), by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights, gives an overview of current developments in mental health care policy in all three Baltic countries and provides recommendations to move services toward the norm of least restrictive care and community-based services, and away from institutions.
Monitoring Report on Closed Institutions in Latvia (2006), by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights, describes and analyzes observations in mental hospitals, social care homes for people with mental disabilities, State and municipal police short-term detention cells, immigration detention facilities, and prisons during monitoring visits in 2003-2006.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Bulgaria (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, reveals that Bulgarian legislation fails to meet international human rights standards in respect to protection of adults under partial and plenary guardianship. The report sets out a series of recommendations designed to improve laws and the respect given to the human rights of people with disabilities in Bulgaria.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Hungary (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, reveals that Hungarian legislation fails to meet international human rights standards. The report offers recommendations for reform that would bring legislation in line with Hungary's international human rights commitments.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Russia (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, finds that Russia has failed to amend its guardianship laws to bring them in line with current human rights standards. The report sets out a series of recommendations designed to improve laws and the respect given to the human rights of people with disabilities in Russia.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Serbia (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, finds that Serbia has failed to bring its guardianship laws completely in line with current human rights standards. The report sets out a series of recommendations designed to improve laws and the respect given to the human rights of people with disabilities in Serbia.
Diversity and Human Rights: Protections for Neurodiversity and Physical Disabilities Under International Human Rights Law (2006), by Ilise L. Feitshans JD & ScM, discusses the role of international human rights in preventing discrimination against people with disabilities and suggests opportunities for the promotion of human rights standards.
The NGO Role in Advocacy for the Human Rights of People with Disabilities in Bulgaria (2006), by Professor Lucia Ilieva from Club "Sustainable Development of Civil Society," describes three projects that illustrate the different focuses of Bulgarian NGO advocacy for disability rights.
From 'Cage Beds' to Inclusion: The Long Road for Individuals With Intellectual Disability in the Czech Republic (2006), by Barbara H. Vanna and Jan Siska, shows that in the Czech Republic individuals with intellectual disabilities are still institutionalized in large, remote, state-run institutions where human rights violations take place. This article was published in Disability & Society.
Behind Closed Doors: Human Rights Abuses in the Psychiatric Facilities, Orphanages and Rehabilitation Centers of Turkey (2005), by Mental Disability Rights International, describes the findings of a two-year investigation and exposes the human rights abuses perpetrated against children and adults with mental disabilities.
Archipelago of the Forgotten - Social Care Homes for People with Mental Disorders in Bulgaria (2005), by the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, is a report on the situation of people with mental disabilities in state institutions in Bulgaria.
Children and Disability in Transition in CEE / CIS and Baltic States (2005), by UNICEF, finds that the most important change needed in order to advance the rights of children with disabilities in the region is to end institutionalization and segregated education. This requires the development of community-based resources and better supports for families of children with disabilities.
Human Rights & Mental Health in Peru (2004), by Mental Disability Rights International and Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos, presents the findings of a joint investigatory mission on the human rights of people with mental disabilities. The report assesses Peru's compliance with national and international standards for the treatment of persons with mental disabilities, highlights successful community-integrated programs in Peru, and provides recommendations for reform of mental health and social service systems.
New Support Services to Protect the Rights of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, Senile Dementia or Mental Illnesses (2004), from the Osaka Prefectural Department of Public Health and Welfare, analyzes support services for people with mental disabilities in Japan.
The Right to Education for Persons with Disabilities: Towards Inclusion (2004) was written by John Lawrence under the auspices of UNESCO's Right to Education for Persons with Disabilities: Towards Inclusion, a flagship under the Education For All Programme. The paper presents a rights-based case for the inclusion of all persons with disabilities at all levels of society.
The Disability Rights Toolkit (2004) by Rehabilitation International and the International Paralympic Committee, provides information on the development of the United Nations International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, lists core United Nations human rights treaties, and offers a bibliography of internet-based resources on disability and human rights.
Fighting for our Rights: Using Non-Discrimination Law to Protect People with Disabilities (2004) is Inclusion Europe's report on the transposition of Council Directive 2000/78/EC on Establishing a General Framework for Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation. The report includes a version in Easy-to-Read and a version in standard English. The Directive is attached at the end. (To view an Easy-to-Read version of the Council Directive 2000/78/EC, please click here.)
The Right to Decent Work of Persons with Disabilities (2003) is a paper commissioned by the International Labour Organization written in preparation for the development of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The paper was of specific relevance to those involved in drafting the provisions concerning employment and work at the Convention.
Report On the Progress of Efforts to Ensure the Full Recognition and Enjoyment of the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2003), from the United Nations Secretary-General, analyses human rights instruments relating to persons with mental disabilities. The report considers legal capacity, involuntary institutionalization and involuntary or forced treatment, and reviews the way in which these international standards are transposed into domestic legislation. To read the Addendum to the report, please click here.
Close the Institutions for the Intellectually Disabled: Everyone Can Live in the Open Society (2003), by Karl Grunewald, Former Head of Division for Care of People with Disability, National Board of Health and Welfare, Stockholm, Sweden, discusses the human rights aspect of community living, the psychological effects of living in an institution, principles for inclusive living, the unique situations for children, youth, and adults, and the question of renovation of institutions.
Not on the Agenda: Human Rights of People with Mental Disabilities in Kosovo (2002), by Mental Disability Rights International, describes the findings of an investigation on the human rights of people with mental disabilities in Kosovo. The report documents abuses within institutions and examines policies and programs for reform of the mental health and social service system in Kosovo.
Human Rights and Disability: The Current Use and Future Potential of United Nations Human Rights Instruments in the Context of Disability (2002), by Gerard Quinn and Theresia Degener, is available through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights. The authors discuss disability as a human rights issue, examining the current and potential future use of United Nations human rights instruments in the context of disability rights.
Let the World Know (2001), from the Office of the Special Rapporteur on Disability of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, is a report of the Seminar on Human Rights and Disability (Stockholm, Sweden, November 5-9, 2000).
Human Rights & Mental Health: Mexico (2000), by Mental Disability Rights International, documents the human rights conditions in Mexico's mental health system and recommends steps to bring the system into conformity with international human rights conventions.
Human Rights and Mental Health: Uruguay (1995), by Mental Disability Rights International, finds that conditions in Uruguay's psychiatric institutions violate a broad range of rights codified in the United Nations Principles for the Protection of Persons with Mental Disabilities, including protections against harm and unjustified medication, respect for personal dignity, privacy and choice, and the right to treatment directed toward the preservation and enhancement of personal autonomy.
Human Rights and Disabled Persons (1993), by Leandro Despouy, Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, provides information and analysis on a wide variety of human rights issues as related to people with disabilities.
The United States-based National Disability Rights Network wrote a flyer called "People With Mental Disabilities Have the Right to Vote!" The flyer, in Easy to Read, was created to help people with voting. More information on voting rights is available on the NDRN website.
18 Candles: The Convention on the Rights of the Child Reaches Majority (2007) by Institut international des droits de l'enfant and Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights brings together eighteen articles which celebrate the eighteenth birthday of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Slum Health: Diseases of Neglected Populations (2007), by Lee W. Riley, et al., argues that continued neglect of expanding urban slum populations could lead to greater expenditure and diversion of health care resources towards the management of preventable diseases.
A World Fit for Children (2006), by UNICEF, is a guidebook for those working to improve the lives of children and young people.
Prohibition of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment under the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 3) (2006), published by Interights, is a manual for lawyers on the application of Article 3 of the European Human Rights Convention.
European Union anti-Discrimination Law and Policies (2006) provides an overview of European Union legislation in the area of anti-discrimination and social inclusion.
Assessment Report: On the Conditions and Perspectives of the Institutions for Children in Bulgaria and of the progress made in implementing the governmental obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (2006), by the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, presents the changes in the development of the institutional child care system in Bulgaria since 2003.
Human Rights in the Ukrainian Boarding Schools: Freedom from Cruel and Degrading Treatment (2006) documents human rights abuses in boarding schools in Ukraine. The report finds that although Ukrainian legislation and state programs guarantee protection of the rights of the child, the guarantees fall short of the rights provided for in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and, in practice, these rights are not always upheld within Ukrainian boarding schools. The complete report in Ukrainian is not available at this time.
Equal Access (2006), a video from Organization Drom, addresses the issue of educational integration of Romani children in Bulgaria. It calls on the Bulgarian government to take immediate steps to ensure that Bulgaria complies with its international obligations and guarantees the right to quality education for Romani children. The video was produced in cooperation with WITNESS.
Bulgaria and Romania - Amnesty International's Human Rights Concerns in the EU Accession Countries (2005) focuses on Amnesty International's concerns in relation to specific areas of inadequate human rights protection in Bulgaria and Romania.
EU Annual Report on Human Rights (2005), by the Council of the European Union, provides an overview of the work of the EU, through its institutions, in promoting human rights, democracy and good governance.
What about us? Children's Rights in the European Union: Next Steps (2005), by the European Children's Network (EURONET), investigates key challenges facing children in the European Union today and examines specific policy areas affecting those children.
All Rights for All Children: UNICEF in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (2005), by UNICEF, highlights UNICEF's work in 20 countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States where children are increasingly at risk due to rising poverty, HIV infection, trafficking, and deteriorating social services.
Faces of Poverty, Faces of Hope: Vulnerable Groups in Central and Southeastern Europe (2005), by the United Nations Development Program, surveys baseline data on vulnerable populations in nine countries, in Central and Southeastern Europe.
Patient Safety - Making It Happen! (2005), a Declaration of the Luxembourg Presidency of the European Union, states that access to high quality healthcare is a key human right recognized and valued by European Union institutions and people.
Annual Reports On the Situation of Fundamental Rights in the European Union and Its Member States (2005) outline the state of fundamental rights in the European Union. Significant sections of the reports discuss disability and disability rights. More information is available on the website of the European Parliament.
Children in Institutional Care: The Status of their Rights and Protection in Sri Lanka (2005), by Save the Children Sri Lanka and Save the Children Canada, shows that institutionalization of children is often the only option for Sri Lankan families in difficult circumstances. Children interviewed for the report spoke out against the lack of privacy, integrity, identity and the absence of avenues of self-expression within institutions. The document is available on the website of the Better Care Network.
Remedies and Sanctions in EC Non-Discrimination Law: Effective, proportionate and dissuasive national sanctions and remedies, with particular reference to upper limits on ok compensation to victims of discrimination (2005), by Professor Christa Tobler of the European Network of Legal Experts in the non-discrimination field, focuses on the form and extent of remedies for discrimination as required under the European Union Race and Employment Directives, which put forth the right of victims of discrimination to "effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions."
Equal Rights in Practice, Key Voices 2005: Access to Justice is published under the European Community Action Programme to combat discrimination 2001-2006. The document discusses how instances of discrimination in European Union member states can be addressed, particularly with a legal approach.
The Right to Health: A Resource Manual for NGOs (2004), by Judith Asher, prepared for health-concerned NGOs, including medical and other health professional associations, to assist in their efforts to assert the right to health.
Equal Rights in Practice, Key Voices 2004: Critical factors and actors for enforcing the non-discrimination directives, is published under the European Community Action Programme to combat Discrimination 2001 - 2006. The document discusses how various actors can and should be involved in the process of enforcing the European Union anti-discrimination Directives (Council Directive 2000/78/EC - the Employment Equality Directive and Council Directive 2000/43/EC - the Racial Equality Directive).
Monitoring the Implementation of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (2004), from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Disability, aims to further the worldwide implementation of the Standard Rules, to monitor and assess the progress of implementation, to raise awareness, and to help governments identify barriers and obstacles to equalization and work on removing them.
Children in Institutions: The Beginning of the End? (2003), by María Ángeles García Llorente, Laura Martínez-Mora Charlebois, Valerio Ducci, and Ana María Farías, describes the movement of some European and Latin American countries away from institutionalization of children and towards a reform of social child protection policies with ideals such as human rights, freedom and citizenship of children as the basis for change. The paper is available from the UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre.
Poverty Reduction Begins with Children (2000), by UNICEF, describes how children experience the most severe effects of poverty and explains why children are central to poverty reduction.
An Introduction to Child Rights Programming: Concept and Application (2000), by Save the Children, outlines concepts, guidelines, and good practices on programming for children's rights.
Children in Russia's Institutions: Human Rights and Opportunities for Reform (1999), by Mental Disability Rights International, shares the findings and recommendations from a UNICEF sponsored fact-finding mission to the Russian Federation in 1998. This report is only available in Russian.
Abandoned To the State: Cruelty and Neglect in Russian Orphanages (1998), a Human Rights Watch report, addresses the situation of institutionalized children in Russia. It outlines numerous recommendations to the Russian state government, the United Nations, the Council of Europe, donor governments, and NGOs.
Making the Mountain Move: An Activist's Guide to How International Human Rights Mechanisms Can Work for You is a guide to accessing and utilizing the international systems that have been created to defend human rights.
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Right of Everyone to the Enjoyment of the Highest Attainable Standard of Physical and Mental Health (2007), by Paul Hunt, describes the progress made by the health and human rights movement in the last decade, discusses key obstacles that lie ahead, and explains that judicial accountability has enhanced protection for the right to health and other health-related rights. Together with the report are a Case Summary addendum and a Mission to Sweden addendum.
Human Rights and Guardianship in the Czech Republic: Analysis of law and policy (2007), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, examines laws in the Czech Republic that relate to guardianship and offers recommendations designed to improve laws and the respect given to the human rights of people with disabilities.
The Situation of People with Mental Health Problems and People with Intellectual Disabilities in Kosova/Kosovo (2006), a needs-based assessment report by the Kosova/Kosovo Association of Psychology Students and the Open Society Mental Health Initiative, describes the situation of people with mental disabilities in Kosova/Kosovo, outlines the legal framework and the services that are available, and surveys future plans and projects for improving services.
The Situation of People with Mental Health Problems and People with Intellectual Disabilities in Georgia (2006), by the Georgian Association for Mental Health and the Open Society Mental Health Initiative, analyzes legislation and policy, assesses the availability of community-based services, and makes recommendations for improvement. The report emphasizes the need to develop community-based services as alternatives to institutional care.
Focus Report on the Right of Children with Disabilities to Live in the Community (2006), by the European Coalition for Community Living (ECCL), recommends what actions must be taken to ensure that families of children with disabilities receive the support they need for those children to grow up in their families and together with other children.
Mental Disabilities and the Human Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health (2006), by Paul Hunt and Judith Mesquita, explores the right to health as it relates to persons with mental disabilities. It argues that a human rights approach, including participation, autonomy, dignity, inclusion, monitoring, and accountability, should guide all relevant actions.
Monitoring Report on Closed Institutions in Latvia (2006), by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights, describes and analyzes observations in mental hospitals, social care homes for people with mental disabilities, State and municipal police short-term detention cells, immigration detention facilities, and prisons during monitoring visits in 2003-2006.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Bulgaria (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, reveals that Bulgarian legislation fails to meet international human rights standards in respect to protection of adults under partial and plenary guardianship. The report sets out a series of recommendations designed to improve law and better respect the human rights of people with disabilities in Bulgaria.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Hungary (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, reveals that Hungarian legislation fails to meet international human rights standards. The report offers recommendations for reform that would bring legislation in line with Hungary's international human rights commitments.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Russia (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, finds that Russia has failed to amend its guardianship laws to bring them in line with current human rights standards. The report sets out a series of recommendations designed to improve law and better respect the human rights of people with disabilities in Russia.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Serbia (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, finds that Serbia has failed to bring its guardianship laws completely in line with current human rights standards. The report sets out a series of recommendations designed to improve law and better respect the human rights of people with disabilities in Serbia.
Human Rights in Ukrainian Medical Institutions for Children and in Children's Psychiatric Hospitals (2006), by NGO M'ART, outlines the legal rights of children in hospitals and the conditions of children's medical services. The report argues that the Ukrainian State youth policy does not cover the rights provided for in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Ukraine is a party. The report also documents violations of children's rights on the part of medical staff in hospitals across seven regions of Ukraine. The report's Table of Contents, Acknowledgements, and Introduction are available in English by clicking here. The full report in Ukrainian is available by clicking here.
Behind Closed Doors: Human Rights Abuses in the Psychiatric Facilities, Orphanages and Rehabilitation Centers of Turkey (2005), by Mental Disability Rights International, describes the findings of a two-year investigation and exposes the human rights abuses perpetrated against children and adults with mental disabilities.
Compulsory Community and Involuntary Outpatient Treatment for People with Severe Mental Disorders (2005), by S. Kisely, L.A. Campbell, and N. Preston, suggests that compulsory community treatment for people with severe mental health problems may not be an effective alternative to standard care. The paper is available from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Resource Book on Mental Health, Human Rights, and Legislation (2005), from the World Health Organization, aims to assist countries in drafting, adopting and implementing policies and plans that are in line with internationally accepted human rights standards and good practices.
Cage Beds: Inhuman and Degrading Treatment in Four EU Accession Countries (2004), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, exposes the abuse of people with mental disabilities in closed institutions and calls for the abolition of so-called "cage-beds."
Human Rights & Mental Health in Peru (2004), by Mental Disability Rights International and Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos, presents the findings of a joint investigatory mission on the human rights of people with mental disabilities. The report assesses Peru's compliance with national and international standards for the treatment of persons with mental disabilities, highlights successful community-integrated programs in Peru, and provides recommendations for reform of mental health and social service systems.
Romania: Memorandum to the Government Concerning Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment (2004), by Amnesty International, outlines Amnesty International's concerns about the treatment of people in psychiatric hospitals in Romania and offers several recommendations to the government of Romania for improving the situation.
A Vision for Human Rights in the European Union: Amnesty International observations on an EU human rights agency (2004), by Amnesty International, outlines several topics to be carefully studied in the consultation process around the proposed European Union human rights agency.
Organization of Services for Mental Health (2003), from the World Health Organization, declares that mental health care should be provided through general health services and community settings.
Connecting Mental Health and Human Rights (2003), by Gavin Davidson, Maura McCallion, and Michael Potter, aims to stimulate consideration and discussion of the complex issues arising in the area of reforming mental health legislation, policy, and service provision.
ECCL Position on the EU Green Paper (2002) is the European Coalition for Community Living's response to the European Union Green Paper on Improving the Mental Health of the Population: Towards a Strategy on Mental Health for the European Union.
Green Paper on Improving the Mental Health of the Population: Towards a Strategy on Mental Health for the European Union (2002), from the European Commission DG Health and Consumer Protection, aims to launch a debate with the European institutions, Member State governments, health professionals, other stakeholders, civil society including patient organizations, and the research community about the relevance of mental health for the European Union and the need for a strategy at the European Union level.
Not on the Agenda: Human Rights of People with Mental Disabilities in Kosovo (2002), by Mental Disability Rights International, describes the findings of an investigation on the human rights of people with mental disabilities in Kosovo. In addition to documenting abuses within institutions, the report examines policies and programs for the reform of the mental health and social service system in Kosovo.
Human Rights & Mental Health: Mexico (2000), by Mental Disability Rights International, documents the human rights conditions in Mexico's mental health system and recommends steps to bring the system into conformity with international human rights conventions.
White Paper on the Protection of the Human Rights and Dignity of People Suffering From Mental Disorder, Especially Those Placed As Involuntary Patients in a Psychiatric Establishment (2000), by the Council of Europe, was published for public consultation to develop guidelines for the creation of a new Council of Europe legal instrument.
Human Rights & Mental Health: Hungary (1997), by Mental Disability Rights International, is a product of a fact-finding investigation and is intended to add to the discussion in Hungary about mental health system reform and the human rights of people with mental disabilities.
Human Rights and Mental Health: Uruguay (1995), by Mental Disability Rights International, finds that conditions in Uruguay's psychiatric institutions violate a broad range of rights codified in the United Nations Principles for the Protection of Persons with Mental Disabilities, including protections against harm and unjustified medication, respect for personal dignity, privacy and choice, and the right to treatment directed toward the preservation and enhancement of personal autonomy.
Publications and Reports by Organization
The Council of Europe Action Plan to Promote the Rights and Full Participation of People with Disabilities in Society: Improving the Quality of Life of People with Disabilities in Europe 2006-2015 (2006) promotes a shift from a medical to a social and human rights-based approach to disability. It is intended to serve as a policy framework for the coming decade and a roadmap for policy-makers. Also available in Easy-to-read version.
The Council of Europe's White Paper On The Protection Of The Human Rights And Dignity Of People Suffering From Mental Disorder, Especially Those Placed As Involuntary Patients In A Psychiatric Establishment (2000) was published for public consultation purposes, with a view toward establishing guidelines for a new Council of Europe legal instrument.
European Union Anti-Discrimination Law and Policies (2006) provides an overview of European Union legislation in the area of anti-discrimination and social inclusion.
EU Annual Report on Human Rights (2005), by the Council of the European Union, provides an overview of the work of the EU, through its institutions, in promoting human rights, democracy and good governance.
Patient Safety - Making It Happen! (2005), a Declaration of the Luxembourg Presidency of the European Union, states that access to high quality health care is a key human right recognized and valued by European Union institutions and people.
Remedies and Sanctions in EC Non-Discrimination Law: Effective, proportionate and dissuasive national sanctions and remedies, with particular reference to upper limits on ok compensation to victims of discrimination (2005), by Professor Christa Tobler of the European Network of Legal Experts in the non-discrimination field, focuses on the form and extent of remedies for discrimination as required under the European Union Race and Employment Directives, which put forth the right of victims of discrimination to "effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions."
Annual Reports On the Situation of Fundamental Rights in the European Union and Its Member States (2005) outline the state of fundamental rights in the European Union. Significant sections of the reports discuss disability and disability rights. More information is available on the website of the European Parliament.
Equal Rights in Practice, Key Voices 2005: Access to Justice is published under the European Commission Community Action Programme to combat discrimination 2001-2006, DG Employment and Social Affairs. The document discusses how instances of discrimination in European Union member states can be addressed, particularly with a legal approach.
Equal Rights in Practice, Key Voices 2004: Critical factors and actors for enforcing the non-discrimination directives, is published under the European Community Action Programme to combat Discrimination 2001 - 2006. The document discusses how various actors can and should be involved in the process of enforcing the European Union anti-discrimination Directives (Council Directive 2000/78/EC - the Employment Equality Directive and Council Directive 2000/43/EC - the Racial Equality Directive).
Green Paper on Improving the Mental Health of the Population: Towards a Strategy on Mental Health for the European Union (2002), from the European Commission DG Health and Consumer Protection, launches a debate with the European institutions, Member State governments, health professionals, other stakeholders, civil society including patient organizations, and the research community about the relevance of mental health for the European Union and the need for a strategy at the EU level.
Compulsory Admission and Involuntary Treatment of Mentally Ill Patients - Legislation and Practice in EU Member States (2002), by Hans Joachim Salize, Harald Dreßing, and Monika Peitz, describes the legal frameworks and routine procedures for compulsory admission and involuntary treatment in European Union Member States.
Other United Nations Agencies and Offices
Disability Rights, Gender, and Development: A Resource Tool for Action (2008) from the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs; United Nations Population Fund; Wellesley Centers for Women. This tool provides valuable insights on the theory and practice of human rights-based approaches to development and contributes to this body of knowledge by designing innovative approaches to the implementation of the CPRD in gender and child sensitive development activities.
18 Candles: The Convention on the Rights of the Child Reaches Majority (2007) by Institut international des droits de l'enfant and Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights brings together eighteen articles which celebrate the eighteenth birthday of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Right of Everyone to the Enjoyment of the Highest Attainable Standard of Physical and Mental Health (2007), by Paul Hunt, describes the progress made by the health and human rights movement in the last decade, discusses key obstacles that lie ahead, and explains that judicial accountability has enhanced protection for the right to health and other health-related rights. Together with the report are a Case Summary addendum and a Mission to Sweden addendum.
The Right to Education of Persons with Disabilities (2007), by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, addresses the right of persons with disabilities to inclusive education and to learn together with children without disabilities.
Faces of Poverty, Faces of Hope: Vulnerable Groups in Central and Southeastern Europe (2005), by the United Nations Development Program presents baseline data on vulnerable populations in nine countries in Central and Southeastern Europe.
Monitoring the Implementation of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (2004), from the United Nations, aims to further the worldwide implementation of the Standard Rules, to monitor and assess the progress of implementation, to raise awareness, and to help governments identify barriers and obstacles to equalization and work on removing them.
The Right to Education for Persons with Disabilities: Towards Inclusion (2004), by John Lawrence under the auspices of UNESCO's Right to Education for Persons with Disabilities: Towards Inclusion, a flagship under the Education For All Programme, presents a rights-based case for inclusion of all persons with disabilities at all levels of society.
The Right to Decent Work of Persons with Disabilities (2003) is a paper commissioned by the International Labour Organization written in preparation for the development of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The paper was of specific relevance to those involved in drafting the provisions concerning employment and work in the Convention.
Rakevich vs. Russia (2003), by Yuri Savenko, discusses a landmark case in the European Court of Human Rights which exposed the deep flaws in Russia's psychiatric system. This article is one in a series commissioned and published by Transitions Online (TOL) and the Open Society Mental Health Initiative.
Report On the Progress of Efforts to Ensure the Full Recognition and Enjoyment of the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2003), from the United Nations Secretary-General, analyses human rights instruments relating to persons with mental disabilities. The report considers legal capacity, involuntary institutionalization, and involuntary or forced treatment, and it reviews the way in which these international standards are transposed into domestic legislation. To read the Addendum to the report, please click here.
Human Rights and Disability: The Current Use and Future Potential of United Nations Human Rights Instruments in the Context of Disability (2002), by Gerard Quinn and Theresia Degener, is available through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights. The authors discuss disability as a human rights issue, examining the current - and potential future - use of the United Nations, and its human rights instruments in the context of disability rights.
Let the World Know (2001), published by the Office of the Special Rapporteur on Disability of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, is a report of the Seminar on Human Rights and Disability (Stockholm, Sweden, November 5-9, 2000).
Human Rights and Disabled Persons (1993), by Leandro Despouy, Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, provides information and analysis on a wide variety of human rights issues as related to people with disabilities.
A World Fit for Children (2006), by UNICEF, contains the Millennium Development Goals, documents of the United Nations Special Session on Children, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It serves as a guidebook for those working to improve the lives of children and young people.
All Rights for All Children: UNICEF in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (2005), by UNICEF, highlights UNICEF's work in 20 countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States where children are increasingly at risk due to rising poverty, HIV infection, trafficking, and deteriorating social services.
Children and Disability in Transition in CEE / CIS and Baltic States (2005), by UNICEF, finds that the most important change needed in order to advance the rights of children with disabilities in the region is to end institutionalization and segregated education. This requires the development of community-based resources and better supports for families of children with disabilities.
Children in Institutions: The Beginning of the End? (2003), by María Ángeles García Llorente, Laura Martínez-Mora Charlebois, Valerio Ducci, and Ana María Farías, describes the movement of some European and Latin American countries away from institutionalization of children and towards a reform of child social protection policies with the ideals of human rights, freedom and citizenship of children as the basis for change. The paper is available from the UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre.
Poverty Reduction Begins with Children (2000), by UNICEF, describes how children experience the most severe effects of poverty and explains why children are central to poverty reduction. It illustrates how UNICEF's efforts contribute to poverty reduction and the fulfillment of human rights.
Resource Book on Mental Health, Human Rights, and Legislation (2005), by the World Health Organization, aims to assist countries in drafting, adopting, and implementing policies and plans that are in line with the internationally accepted human rights standards and good practices. It does not prescribe a particular legislative model for countries but rather highlights the key issues and principles to be incorporated into legislation.
Organization of Services for Mental Health (2003), by the World Health Organization, declares that mental health care should be provided through general health services and community settings. Large and centralized psychiatric institutions need to be replaced by other more appropriate mental health services.
Non-Governmental Organizations
Human Rights and Guardianship in the Czech Republic: Analysis of law and policy (2007), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, examines laws in the Czech Republic that relate to guardianship and offers recommendations designed to improve law and better respect the human rights of people with disabilities.
Slum Health: Diseases of Neglected Populations (2007), by Lee W. Riley, et al., argues that continued neglect of expanding urban slum populations could lead to greater expenditure and diversion of health care resources to the management of diseases that ought to be preventable.
Training Manual on the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2007), by Giampiero Griffo and Francesca Ortali (ed.) is a training manual to promote the participation of the organizations of people with disabilities and their families in the process of ratifying, monitoring and implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Rights of People with Intellectual Disabilities: Access to Education and Employment (2006), produced by OSI's EU Monitoring and Advocacy Program (EUMAP) and The Open Society Mental Health Initiative, is a series of 14 country reports on the rights of people with intellectual disabilities in Europe, focusing on education and employment. The reports monitor the degree to which existing international standards and national legislation are heeded and applied. Each report includes specific policy recommendations targeting both domestic and international decision-makers.
Access to Education and Employment for People with Intellectual Disabilities: An Overview of the Situation in Central and Eastern Europe (2006) is The Open Society Mental Health Initiative's overview paper. It is based on information from the EUMAP's monitoring reports on access to education and employment for people with intellectual disabilities.
The Situation of People with Mental Health Problems and People with Intellectual Disabilities in Kosova/Kosovo (2006), a needs-based assessment report by the Kosova/Kosovo Association of Psychology Students and the Open Society Mental Health Initiative, describes the situation of people with mental disabilities in Kosova/Kosovo, outlines the legal framework and the services that are available, and surveys future plans and projects for improving services.
The Situation of People with Mental Health Problems and People with Intellectual Disabilities in Georgia (2006), by the Georgian Association for Mental Health and the Open Society Mental Health Initiative, analyzes legislation and policy, assesses the availability of community-based services, and makes recommendations for improvement. The report emphasizes the need to develop community-based services as alternatives to institutional care.
Focus Report on the Right of Children with Disabilities to Live in the Community (2006), by the European Coalition for Community Living (ECCL), recommends what actions must be taken to ensure that families of children with disabilities receive the support they need for those children to grow up in their families and together with other children.
The film Living Proof: The Right to Live in the Community (2006), produced by the Association for Promoting Inclusion and WITNESS, depicts the stories of people with intellectual disabilities who have spent a large portion of their lives in long-term institutions and are now living in their own apartments. Read a Press Release about the film.
Assessment Report: On the Conditions and Perspectives of the Institutions for Children in Bulgaria and of the progress made in implementing the governmental obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (2006), by the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, presents the dynamics of the development of the institutional child care system in Bulgaria since 2003.
Monitoring Report on Closed Institutions in Latvia (2006), by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights, describes and analyzes observations in mental hospitals, social care homes for people with mental disabilities, State and municipal police short-term detention cells, immigration detention facilities, and prisons during monitoring visits in 2003-2006.
Human Rights in Ukrainian Medical Institutions for Children and in Children's Psychiatric Hospitals (2006), by NGO M'ART, outlines the legal rights of children in hospitals and the functioning conditions of children's medical services. The report argues that the Ukrainian State youth policy does not cover the rights provided for in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Ukraine is a party. The report also documents violations of children's rights on the part of medical staff in hospitals across seven regions of Ukraine. The report's Table of Contents, Acknowledgements, and Introduction are available in English by clicking here. The full report in Ukrainian is available by clicking here.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Bulgaria (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, reveals that Bulgarian legislation fails to meet international human rights standards in respect to protection of adults under partial and plenary guardianship. The report sets out a series of recommendations designed to improve laws and the respect given to the human rights of people with disabilities in Bulgaria.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Hungary (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, reveals that Hungarian legislation fails to meet international human rights standards. The report offers recommendations for reform that would bring legislation in line with Hungary's international human rights commitments.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Russia (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, finds that Russia has failed to amend its guardianship laws to bring them in line with current human rights standards. The report sets out a series of recommendations designed to improve laws and the respect given to the human rights of people with disabilities in Russia.
Human Rights and Guardianship in Serbia (2006), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, finds that Serbia has failed to bring its guardianship laws completely in line with current human rights standards. The report sets out a series of recommendations designed to improve laws and the respect given to the human rights of people with disabilities in Serbia.
Equal Access (2006), a video from Organization Drom, addresses the issue of educational integration of Romani children in Bulgaria. It calls on the Bulgarian government to take immediate steps to ensure that Bulgaria complies with its international obligations and guarantees the right to quality education for Romani children. The video was produced in cooperation with WITNESS.
Prohibition of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment under the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 3) (2006), published by Interights, is a manual for lawyers on the application of Article 3 of the European Human Rights Convention.
Behind Closed Doors: Human Rights Abuses in the Psychiatric Facilities, Orphanages and Rehabilitation Centers of Turkey (2005), by Mental Disability Rights International, describes the findings of a two-year investigation and exposes the human rights abuses perpetrated against children and adults with mental disabilities.
Bulgaria and Romania - Amnesty International's Human Rights Concerns in the EU Accession Countries (2005) focuses on Amnesty International's concerns in relation to specific areas of inadequate human rights protection in Bulgaria and Romania.
Archipelago of the Forgotten - Social Care Homes for People with Mental Disorders in Bulgaria (2005), by the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, is a report on the situation of people with mental disabilities in state institutions in Bulgaria.
Compulsory Community and Involuntary Outpatient Treatment for People with Severe Mental Disorders (2005), by S. Kisely, L.A. Campbell, and N. Preston, suggests that compulsory community treatment for people with severe mental health problems may not be an effective alternative to standard care. The paper is available from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Children in Institutional Care: The Status of their Rights and Protection in Sri Lanka (2005), by Save the Children Sri Lanka and Save the Children Canada, shows that institutionalization of children is often the only option for Sri Lankan families in difficult circumstances. Children interviewed for the report spoke out against the lack of privacy, integrity, identity and the absence of avenues of self-expression within institutions. The document is available on the website of the Better Care Network.
Fighting for our Rights: Using Non-Discrimination Law to Protect People with Disabilities (2004) is Inclusion Europe's report on the transposition of Council Directive 2000/78/EC on Establishing a General Framework for Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation. The report includes a version in Easy-to-Read and a version in standard English. The Directive is attached at the end. (To view an Easy to Read version of Council Directive 2000/78/EC, please click here.)
Romania: Memorandum to the Government Concerning Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment (2004), by Amnesty International, outlines Amnesty International's concerns about the treatment of people in psychiatric hospitals in Romania and offers several recommendations to the government of Romania for improving the situation.
A Vision for Human Rights in the European Union: Amnesty International observations on an EU human rights agency (2004), by Amnesty International, outlines several topics to be carefully studied in the consultation process around the proposed European Union human rights agency.
Human Rights & Mental Health in Peru (2004), by Mental Disability Rights International and Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos, presents the findings of a joint investigatory mission on the human rights of people with mental disabilities. The report assesses Peru's compliance with national and international standards for the treatment of persons with mental disabilities, highlights successful community-integrated programs in Peru, and provides recommendations for reform of mental health and social service systems.
New Support Services to Protect the Rights of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, Senile Dementia or Mental Illnesses (2004), from the Osaka Prefectural Department of Public Health and Welfare, Osaka, Japan, analyzes support services for people with mental disabilities.
Cage Beds: Inhuman and Degrading Treatment in Four EU Accession Countries (2004), by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center, exposes the abuse of people with mental disabilities in closed institutions and calls for the abolition of so-called "cage-beds."
The Disability Rights Toolkit (2004), from Rehabilitation International and the International Paralympic Committee, provides information on the development of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, lists core United Nations human rights treaties, and offers a bibliography of internet-based resources on disability and human rights.
Connecting Mental Health and Human Rights (2003), by Gavin Davidson, Maura McCallion, and Michael Potter, aims to stimulate thought and discussion of the complex issues arising in the area of reforming mental health legislation, policy, and service provision. It makes recommendations aimed at better protecting and promoting the human rights of people with mental health problems.
ECCL Position on the EU Green Paper (2002) is the European Coalition for Community Living's (ECCL) response to the European Union Green Paper on Improving the Mental Health of the Population: Towards a Strategy on Mental Health for the European Union.
Not on the Agenda: Human Rights of People with Mental Disabilities in Kosovo (2002), by Mental Disability Rights International, describes the findings of an investigation on the human rights of people with mental disabilities in Kosovo. In addition to documenting abuses within institutions, the report examines policies and programs for reform of the mental health and social service systems in Kosovo.
Human Rights & Mental Health: Mexico (2000), by Mental Disability Rights International, documents the human rights conditions in Mexico's mental health system and recommends steps to bring the system into conformity with international human rights conventions.
An Introduction to Child Rights Programming: Concept and Application (2000), by Save the Children, outlines concepts, guidelines, and good practices for programming on children's rights.
Children in Russia's Institutions: Human Rights and Opportunities for Reform (1999), by Mental Disability Rights International, shares the findings and recommendations from an UNICEF sponsored fact-finding mission to the Russian Federation in 1998. This report is available only in Russian.
Abandoned To the State: Cruelty and Neglect in Russian Orphanages (1998), a Human Rights Watch report, addresses the situation of institutionalized children in Russia. It outlines numerous recommendations to the Russian state government, the United Nations, the Council of Europe, donor governments, and NGOs.
Human Rights & Mental Health: Hungary (1997), by Mental Disability Rights International, is the product of a fact-finding investigation and is intended to add to the discussion in Hungary about mental health system reform and the human rights of people with mental disabilities.
Human Rights and Mental Health: Uruguay (1995), by Mental Disability Rights International, finds that conditions in Uruguay's psychiatric institutions violate a broad range of rights codified in the United Nations Principles for the Protection of Persons with Mental Disabilities, including protections against harm and unjustified medication, respect for personal dignity, privacy and choice, and the right to treatment directed toward the preservation and enhancement of personal autonomy.
The United States-based National Disability Rights Network wrote a flyer called "People With Mental Disabilities Have the Right to Vote!" The flyer, in Easy to Read, was created to help people with voting. More information on voting rights is available on the NDRN website.
Making the Mountain Move: An Activist's Guide to How International Human Rights Mechanisms Can Work for You is a guide to accessing and utilizing the international systems that have been created to defend human rights.