KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged all stakeholders to ensure accessible, quality and non-discriminatory mental health services in line with the right to health guaranteed by the Constitution and existing laws.
Issuing a statement on the occasion of World Mental Health Day today, the Commission called on all three tiers of government and other concerned stakeholders to strengthen mental health services and ensure that everyone can access them without discrimination.
The Commission urged authorities to ensure adequate human resources at the local level to provide psychosocial counselling and facilitate discussions on mental health. It also stressed the need to protect the confidentiality and dignity of people affected by mental health conditions and ensure their meaningful participation.
World Mental Health Day is observed globally on October 10 under the slogan, “Listen to the Experience, Respect the Voice, Initiate Change.”
The Commission expressed concern that the rights to life, liberty, equality and dignity of people experiencing mental health conditions in Nepal were not being adequately respected and protected.
According to a statement issued by NHRC Assistant Spokesperson Shyambabu Kafle, the Commission’s monitoring has found that the rights of people with mental health conditions are being undermined by the neglect of their voices and experiences, as well as by abuse and discrimination.
The Commission noted that limited access to mental health services, social stigma, discrimination, economic hardship and a lack of psychosocial support continue to undermine the right of affected individuals to live with dignity.
Comment