Mental health is a universal human right
World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme “Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and take actions that promote and protect mental health. mental health of everyone as a universal human right.
Mental health is critically important for everyone, everywhere, and goes beyond simply not having a mental health problem. It is an integral part of well-being, because it allows individuals to realize their full potential, to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, to be productive in the different contexts of daily life, to establish meaningful relationships and contribute to their community.
Everyone, wherever they are and whoever they are, has the right to the highest possible standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable and good quality care, and the right to freedom, independence and inclusion in the community .
Good mental health is essential to our overall health and well-being. Yet more than 215 million people live with mental health problems in the Western Pacific. Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death among young people, and for every death, there are many more suicide attempts. At the same time, demographic changes in some countries are increasing the proportion of older people, contributing to the increasing prevalence of dementia and other age-related mental health problems.
Having a mental health problem should never be a reason to deprive someone of their human rights or exclude them from decisions about their own health. Yet around the world, people with mental health problems continue to face numerous human rights violations. Many are excluded from community life and face discrimination, while more cannot access the mental health care they need or can only access care that violates their human rights.
WHO continues to work with countries and partners to ensure that mental health is valued, promoted and protected, and that urgent action is taken so that everyone can exercise their human rights and access the quality mental health care they need. he needs. Under the Regional framework for the future of mental health in the Western PacificWHO, countries and partners are working to promote the highest level of mental health for all people in the Region.
Join the World Mental Health Day 2023 campaign to learn more about your fundamental right to mental health as well as how to protect the rights of others.
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