LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

This is the look manual for the United Nations Human Rights Council, additionally
acknowledged as ( UNHRC). MUN is a simulation of the United Nations (UN) that is
accomplished at an excessive faculty and college stage. MUN targets to train contributors
approximately civics, powerful communication, globalisation, and multilateral diplomacy. In
MUN, college students take part as “delegates” from the UN Member States and simulate
UN committees. From this enjoy, now no longer handiest do they emerge as worried and
debate today’s urgent cutting-edge problems, however additionally develop their
international view and their know-how of worldwide members of the family and the UN,
permitting delegates to broaden their vital wondering and smooth talents while discussing
the maximum excellent subjects which can be on our International Agenda nowadays!

Although at the start it can appear overwhelming because you want to understand the Rules
of Procedure, and the way to write a Position Paper, a Draft Resolution, or a Working Paper,
the huge intention that you want to have in thoughts is to look for statistics approximately
your kingdom’s policy – you may be discussing a topic, a noticeable issue. Therefore,
delegates need to apprehend that it needs earlier studies and know-how now no longer of
the workings of MUN itself, but additionally of the subject being discussed, how your
kingdom procedures the problem, what are the answers, and the manner to visit an
international without prejudice and hatred.

This look at the manual starts with an advent to the committee and the subject of the talk.
You can have a few statistics about its records and cutting-edge situation, in addition to a
few steerage closer to the one-of-a-kind feasible procedures. As such, you need to examine
it with near attention, so you understand the instructions that the talk may take. It additionally
addresses a few key phrases that you want to hold in your thoughts, which allows you to
offer all Delegates a few definitions that all of us agree on, ensuring that everybody is at the
identical stage in phrases of principles and interpretations. With this, it's assured that the talk
will no longer grow to be discussing the definition of positive expressions and phrases and
the committee can consequently cope with the central problems of the subject.

Having said that, we hope that this can be a memorable experience and that you have an
excellent time gaining knowledge of approximately diplomatic problems that affect our
society. Above all else, ensure that this occasion is a possibility to satisfy human beings with
identical interests (they're all curious and obsessed with MUN and all of them have
innovative thoughts).

Ankita Sarmah Bordoloi

(Chairperson)

Shaptak Nath Bhowmik

(Vice Chairperson)

Krishanu Kalita
(Rapporteur)
 EVIDENCE OR PROOF ACCEPTABLE IN THE COMMITTEE

Evidence or proof from the following sources shall be accepted as credible by the
committee:

1. News Sources:

● Reuters: Any Reuters article that unambiguously makes mention of the fact stated or is in
contradiction of the fact being stated by another delegate in the council can be used to
substantiate arguments in the committee.
● State-operated News Agencies: These reports can be used to support or against the
State that owns the News Agency. They, however, can be denied by any other country in the
council. Some examples are RIA Novosti (Russia), IRNA (Iran), Xinhua News Agency and
CCTV (China)

2. Government Reports: These reports can be used similarly to the State Operated News
Agencies reports and can, in all circumstances, be denied by another country. However, a
report denied by a certain country can still be accepted by the Executive Board as credible
information.

Some examples are:

● Government Websites like the State Department of the United States of America
(http://www.state.gov/index.htm) or the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation
(http://www.eng.mil.ru/en/index.htm)

● Ministry of Foreign Affairs of various nations like India (http://www.mea.gov.in/) or the

People’s Republic of China (http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/)

● Permanent Representatives to the United Nations Reports

● Multilateral Organisations: -
NATO (http://www.natolibguides.info/nato-russia/reports)
ASEAN (http://www.aseansec.org/)
OPEC (https://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/publications/336.htm)
3. UN Reports: All UN Reports are considered credible information for this simulation.

● UN Bodies: -

UNSC (https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/) -
UNGA (https://www.un.org/en/sections/general/documents/index.html)

● UN Affiliated Bodies: Some examples of UN Affiliated Bodies are-

International Atomic Energy Agency (https://www.iaea.org/)

World Bank (https://www.worldbank.org/)
International Monetary Fund (https://www.imf.org/external/index.htm)
International Committee of the Red Cross (https://www.icrc.org/en)

● Treaty-Based Bodies: Some examples of Treaty-Based Bodies are: - Antarctic Treaty

System (https://www.ats.aq/e/ats.htm) - International Criminal Court (https://www.icc-cpi.int/)

4. Subsidiary Organs of the UN:

● Peacebuilding Commission
(https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/repertoire/peacebuilding- commission)

● International Law Commission: (http://legal.un.org/ilc/)

● The Commission on the Status of Women (http://www.unwomen.org/en/csw)

 INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNCIL

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an intergovernmental body within the
United Nations (UN) system that is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights
around the world. It was established on March 15, 2006, by the UN General Assembly
resolution 60/251, to address human rights violations, improve the human rights situation
globally, and replace the previous United Nations Commission on Human Rights. The
UNHRC is composed of 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly through a
majority vote. Member states serve for three years and are elected based on equitable
geographical distribution, ensuring representation from different regions of the world. The
council's membership is divided into five regional groups: African States, Asian States,
Eastern European States, Latin American and Caribbean States, and Western European
and Other States. The council holds regular sessions three times a year in Geneva,
Switzerland, each lasting for approximately four weeks. In addition to regular sessions,
special sessions can be convened to address urgent human rights situations. The sessions
provide an opportunity for member states, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and
other stakeholders to engage in discussions and make recommendations on human rights
issues.

The UNHRC carries out its mandate through various mechanisms and activities. One of the
key mechanisms is the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a process that involves the review
of the human rights records of all UN member states. During the UPR, states submit reports
on their human rights situation, and a working group of member states examines these
reports, conducts interactive dialogues, and makes recommendations for improvement.
Another crucial aspect of the council's work is the Special Procedures system. It comprises
independent experts, known as special rapporteurs or special representatives, who are
appointed to investigate and report on specific human rights issues or country situations.
These experts can conduct fact-finding missions, issue reports on their findings, and make
recommendations to address human rights abuses. The UNHRC also adopts resolutions
and decisions addressing human rights concerns globally. These resolutions can condemn
human rights violations, call for accountability, establish mechanisms for monitoring and
reporting, and make recommendations for action. Additionally, the council conducts thematic
discussions and panel debates on various human rights topics, inviting experts, NGOs, and
other stakeholders to contribute their expertise and perspectives.

The council faces both achievements and challenges in its work. Some notable
achievements include the adoption of resolutions that have contributed to positive outcomes
in countries experiencing human rights abuses, the UPR process leading to improvements in
human rights situations, and the valuable contributions of the Special Procedures in
shedding light on human rights violations.

However, the UNHRC also faces challenges. One challenge is ensuring the membership
composition remains balanced and representative of different regions. There is also a need
to address politicisation and selectivity concerns, where certain human rights situations
receive more attention than others based on political considerations. Additionally, the council
faces limitations in its ability to enforce its decisions and recommendations, as it relies on the
cooperation and commitment of member states.
 INTRODUCTION TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS

According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, human rights are those economic,
social, political, cultural, and civic rights that guarantee any human’s life free of fear and
want. They are those rights that are always available to human beings irrespective of their
ethnicity, race, colour, social group, era, country, sex, creed, age, gender, etc. Human rights
have continued to be violated from the First World War till date, which is why it is of key
importance that the United Nations with its powers try to curb this global issue that plagues
the world.

The UN with its organs and instruments has continued to facilitate the advancement of
human rights awareness and conservation through international corporations and
partnerships between member states to identify, investigate, and proffer sustainable
solutions and frameworks to prevent human rights violations across the globe. Universal
human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the forms of treaties, customary
international law, general principles, and other sources of international law. International
human rights law lays down obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain
from certain acts, to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of
individuals or groups.

In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted The Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, which was the first instrument formally recognizing human rights. In 1950, the
Council of Europe adopted the European Convention on Human Rights. In 1966, the United
Nations General Assembly adopted The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
and The International Covenant on Economic and Social Rights. These two entered into
force in 1976 and along with the UDHR constitute what is referred to as the International Bill
of Human Rights.

In the UN Charter – the UN’s founding document – the countries of the United Nations stated
that they were determined: ‘… to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity
and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations’
Fundamentally, Human Rights are:

Universal → They belong to all people equally regardless of status and they are the same
for all human beings everywhere in the world

Inalienable → they may not be taken away or transferred; people still have human rights
even when their governments violate those rights Interconnected/interdependent →
fulfilment or violation of one right affects the fulfilment of all other rights; together human
rights form a complementary framework

Indivisible →Noo right can be treated in isolation; no right is more important than another

Nondiscriminatory →Human rights should be respected without distinction, exclusion,

restriction, or preference based on race, colour, age, sex, national or ethnic origin, language
or any other state
 MANDATE

The HRC possesses a unique and comprehensive mandate outlined in GA resolution

60/251.

The General Assembly mandated the HRC to promote universal respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms; to address and provide recommendations on all, particularly
grave and systematic, violations of human rights; and to promote an effective system of
coordination within the UN system, including mainstreaming mechanisms, concerning
human rights issues. Further, the GA designated the HRC as a forum for debate and
dialogue on all human rights issues, including addressing violations and responding to
emergencies, promoting cooperation and education on human rights, reviewing Member
States‘ track records, and preventing abuses from occurring. The HRC is guided by the
underlying principles of ―universality, impartiality, objectivity and non selectivity, constructive
international dialogue and cooperation''.

The International Bill of Human Rights, which comprises the UDHR, the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) (1966), and the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (1966) with its two Optional Protocols are
crucial in the HRC mandate. These documents are the pillars that guide the committee in its
recommendations by outlining the fundamental obligations and commitments of Member
States in international human rights law.

Position Paper Guidelines

Position paper is a document that needs to be submitted prior to the conference, which
reflects each country’s stance, in regards to issue areas that will be discussed inside the
council.

Requirements:

1. Font, Font Size: Georgia, 12

2. Spacing: 1.15
3. Maximum 2 pages excluding references
4. Maximum plagiarism is 20%

Format of a Position Paper:

1. Brief History of the country

2. Cause
3. Country’s policies
4. Country’s stance/ Possible solutions
You can take help from the example given below:
 Position Paper

Country: People’s Republic of China

Name: Saptak Nath Bhowmik

Agenda: Deliberation on the Worker’s Rights with special emphasis on Universal

Periodic Review

Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council

Committee:

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an intergovernmental body within
the United Nations (UN) system that is responsible for promoting and protecting human
rights around the world. It was established on March 15, 2006, by the UN General Assembly
resolution 60/251, to address human rights violations, improve the human rights situation
globally, and replace the previous United Nations Commission on Human Rights. The
UNHRC is composed of 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly through a
majority vote. Member states serve for three years and are elected based on equitable
geographical distribution, ensuring representation from different regions of the world. The
council's membership is divided into five regional groups: African States, Asian States,
Eastern European States, Latin American and Caribbean States, and Western European and
Other States. The council holds regular sessions three times a year in Geneva, Switzerland,
each lasting for approximately four weeks. In addition to regular sessions, special sessions
can be convened to address urgent human rights situations. The sessions provide an
opportunity for member states, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and other
stakeholders to engage in discussions and make recommendations on human rights issues.

Past Stances:

China upholds respect for and protection of human rights as a task of importance in State
governance, fostering historic achievements in the cause of human rights in China. We have,
once and for all, tried to resolve the problem of absolute poverty, thereby trying to attain our
first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. We will
continue to develop whole-process people’s democracy, promote the protection of human
rights and the rule of law and resolutely uphold social equity and justice.Since the last UPR
review, China has acceded to the 1930 Convention on Forced Labour, the 1957 Convention
on the Abolition of Forced Labour and the Marrakech Treaty. To date, China has ratified or
acceded to 29 international human rights instruments and has always participated in the
reviews of the implementation of human rights treaties in an open, transparent and
responsible manner.

Laws to strengthen Workers Rights in China:

China has always believed that its workers are one of the most important assets, who work as
a major pillar to protect the country’s economy. Therefore, it has implemented various laws to
protect the Workers, both male and female.

Laws like the 1992 Trade Union Law and 1995 Labour Law, which established the
fundamental rights of workers to be paid in full and on time, receive overtime payments and
paid leave, and, crucially, to be represented by a trade union.

The 2008 Labour Contract Lawspecifies that workers are entitled to a detailed written
employment contract when they are hired and severance pay (based on length of
employment) if they are laid off.

On October 30, 2022, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s
highest legislative body, approved a revision of the Law on the Protection of Women’s Rights
and Interests, which aims to promote gender equality in a variety of areas, including women’s
political rights, personality rights, cultural and educational rights, employment, property
rights, and rights and interests related to marriage and family.

Suggestive solutions:

The sole motive of this committee today, is to enhance the worker’s rights and solve the
disruptive Human rights violations which the workers face frequently. To do so, some basic,
yet impactful solutions have to be seriously taken upon as an inspiration, and should be
implemented in a Global level. Some suggestive solutions can be:

1) Promoting Equal Opportunities and Non-Discrimination:

Implementation of policies and initiatives to promote equal opportunities for all workers,
regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, or other characteristics is
something, which should be considered must in today’s era. Prevention and addressingof
discrimination and harassment in the workplace through training, awareness-raising, and
effective complaint mechanisms is the need of the hour.

2) Enhancing Social Protection Systems:

As a nation with the best social protection mechanisms, China believes that strengthening
social protection systems, including unemployment protection, disability benefits, healthcare
coverage, and retirement pensions, to provide a safety net for workers during times of
economic hardship or transition should be considered as a sole priority, keeping in mind the
ever-increasing population.

3) Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

Encouraging businesses to adopt ethical and socially responsible practices that prioritize
workers' rights, environmental sustainability, and community well-being should be strictly
looked upon. Holding companies accountable for their labour practices through transparency,
reporting requirements, and stakeholder engagement will only bring justice to the workers of
a democratic nation.

It has been a high time for all the nations to simply sit and watch its workers getting violated
constantly, making them die out of over stress and harsh working conditions. Such problems
are a Global issue which require all the nations to collectively solve it. Through this
deliberation, let us all come together and establish the foundation of protective measures for
the Workers of the world.
 Introduction to the agenda

Mental health embodies the integration of psychological, emotional, and social harmony. It
encompasses one's quality of life and general well-being. It is estimated that approximately
500 million individuals globally are affected by mental illness (International Labour
Organisation, 2000). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state
of well-being in which every individual realises their potential, can cope with the normal
stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their
community. The WHO also speculates that depression alone will rank second highest in the
global burden of disease (2020). According to recent figures, the direct and indirect
economic cost of mental illness is estimated to range from 48 to 50 billion dollars.

The mental health crisis is a global public health challenge affecting millions of people
worldwide, with significant socio-economic, cultural, and human rights implications. The
mental health crisis refers to the increasing prevalence and severity of mental health
disorders, conditions, and illnesses, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar
disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders, and the
inadequate access to quality mental health care, services, and support, and the stigma,
discrimination, and human rights violations faced by individuals and communities affected by
mental health issues.

Stigmatisation of mental health refers to the negative attitudes, stereotypes, prejudice,

discrimination, and social exclusion experienced by individuals and communities with mental
health disorders and conditions, which contribute to the marginalisation, isolation, and
invisibility of mental health issues, and hinder access to mental health care, services, and
support, and social inclusion, integration, and participation in society. Stigmatisation of
mental health is a significant barrier to mental health promotion, prevention, early
intervention, treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, and inclusion, and exacerbates the mental
health crisis, and the suffering, distress, and burden experienced by individuals and
communities affected by mental health issues. The impact of stigma is twofold. Public stigma
is the reaction that the general population has to people with mental illness. Self-stigma is
the prejudice which people with mental illness turn against themselves. Both public and
self-stigma may be understood in terms of three components: stereotypes, prejudice, and
discrimination.

Examples of mental illness stigma include when people make comments such as “You’re
crazy,” “She’s schizophrenic,” or “You can’t be depressed; you’re so happy,”. Other examples
include when a person with mental illness is made fun of or called weak for seeking help.
Stigma usually involves incorrect stereotypes. People with mental illness may be considered
‘scary’, ‘comical’ or ‘incompetent’. A person with anxiety may be labelled as being weak
rather than having an illness, and some people may believe they could just ‘snap out of it’.
People living with schizophrenia can be called violent.

Stigmatisation of mental health and violation of human rights are pervasive and systemic
issues affecting individuals and communities worldwide, with significant and detrimental
impacts on mental health, well-being, and quality of life, and hindering access to mental
health care, services, and support, and social inclusion, integration, and participation in
society.

Historical background

The history of mental health crises and stigmatisation is a complex tapestry spanning
millennia, shaped by evolving cultural, societal, and medical attitudes towards mental illness.
In ancient civilizations, mental health was often understood through spiritual or supernatural
lenses. Mental illness was frequently attributed to possession by evil spirits, divine
punishment, or moral failings rather than recognized as medical conditions requiring
treatment. During the mediaeval period, perceptions of mental illness became more
intertwined with religious beliefs and moral judgments. Mental health issues were often
viewed as evidence of sinfulness, witchcraft, or demonic possession, leading to harsh
punitive measures and social exclusion. Research indicates that mental health disorders
were prevalent during the mediaeval era, affecting individuals across diverse social and
economic backgrounds. However, stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental illness
resulted in limited understanding and inadequate care, with many individuals facing
discrimination, isolation, and mistreatment.
For e.g: In American history, mentally ill patients were thought to be religiously punished.
This response persisted through the 1700s, along with the inhumane confinement and
stigmatisation of such individuals.

The 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed significant advancements in the understanding
and treatment of mental illness, with the emergence of psychiatry as a medical discipline.
The late 20th century marked a turning point in the global mental health landscape, with
growing recognition of the importance of mental health and well-being, and increased
advocacy efforts to combat stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations. Despite
progress in raising awareness, promoting mental health literacy, and expanding access to
mental health care, stigma and discrimination remain pervasive, and individuals with mental
health conditions continue to face barriers to care, social exclusion, and human rights
violations.

Present Global Situation of mental health issues and stigmatisation

The global situation surrounding mental health and stigmatisation remains a significant
concern, with many individuals facing discrimination, human rights violations, and
inadequate access to care. All WHO Member States are committed to implementing the
“Comprehensive mental health action plan 2013–2030", which aims to improve mental
health by strengthening effective leadership and governance, providing comprehensive,
integrated and responsive community-based care, implementing promotion and prevention
strategies, and strengthening information systems, evidence and research. In 2020, WHO’s
“Mental health atlas 2020” analysis of country performance against the action plan showed
insufficient advances against the targets of the agreed action plan.
Globally, more than 80% of people with mental health conditions do not receive treatment
due to stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to care. In low- and middle-income
countries, the treatment gap for mental health disorders is as high as 90%. Approximately
800,000 people die by suicide each year, making it the second leading cause of death
among individuals aged 15-29. Stigma surrounding mental illness contributes to the stigma
associated with suicide, further hindering prevention efforts.
Some instances of Stigmatization of mental illness in various countries are:
Mental health has long been neglected in China, partly because of a deep-rooted cultural
stigma. Discussing mental health remains taboo among many communities. People with
mental disorders are often perceived as unable to fulfil this ideal. Families of patients worry
about how a disclosure of mental illness might damage their reputation. Mental health in
China has gained attention among the public and academia only in the past 20 years. The
first national survey of mental disorders in China, from 2013–15, showed that the lifetime
prevalence of mental health conditions in adults is 16·6%. Considering China's population,
the clinical need is huge. Yet access to treatment is extremely poor. Only 9·5% of people
with depressive disorders received treatment, and very rarely (0·5%) was treatment
adequate.
Mental illness is still widely stigmatised in India, and many people with mental health issues
are reluctant to seek help due to the fear of being judged or discriminated against. There is a
shortage of mental health professionals and facilities in India, and many of the existing
services are not accessible to the majority of the population. Close to 60 to 70 million people
in India suffer from common and severe mental disorders. It is alarming to know that India is
the world's suicide capital with over 2.6 lakh cases of suicide in a year. Statistics released by
the World Health Organization say the average suicide rate in India is 10.9 for every lakh
people.
Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. More
than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness and over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either
currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
The suicide rate, now 14.3 deaths per 100,000 Americans, has reached its highest level
since 1941, when the US entered the second world war. Nearly 50,000 people in the US lost
their lives to suicide last year, according to a new provisional tally from the National Center
for Health Statistics.
In 2017 in South Korea, nearly 1 in 4 individuals suffered from a mental disorder, though only
1 in 10 received treatment, culminating in the country having the highest suicide rate of any
OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) member nation. 95
percent of South Koreans report being stressed, with staggering rates of depression among
the elderly. The result is an alarming national epidemic that has only worsened annually for
the past 20 years. Every day, nearly 40 South Koreans commit suicide. Yet despite the
national mental health crisis, the problem is rarely discussed and often neglected in South
Korean society. Many South Koreans often describe discussions of mental health as taboo,
a mindset deeply rooted in the public conscience, making mental health awareness and
advocacy work by South Korean physicians largely ineffectual.
Iran is a large country located in the Middle East, and with a population of 86.3 million, it is
ranked 18th among the world's most populated countries. Its largest city, Tehran, almost
37.1% residents suffered mental health problems (45.0% of women and 28.0% of men). The
greatest incidence of MHDs was seen in the 25–34 and over 75 age groups. The most
common mental health disorders were depression (43%) and anxiety (40%), followed by
somatization (30%) and social dysfunction (8.1%).
Some steps taken by the global forums to solve such issues are as follows:

1) UN Initiatives:
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Mental health has been included in the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a global development priority under SDG 3
(Good Health and Well-being), with targets to promote mental health, prevent mental
disorders, provide access to quality mental health care, and reduce the mortality, morbidity,
and disability associated with mental health conditions.
• Universal Health Coverage (UHC): The United Nations has emphasised the
importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in ensuring access to quality health care,
including mental health services, for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic
status, and has promoted the integration of mental health care into primary health care and
community-based services to enhance accessibility, affordability, and coverage of mental
health services.
• Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): The United Nations'
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) recognizes the rights of
individuals with disabilities, including mental health conditions, and promotes the inclusion,
participation, and equal opportunities of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society,
including health care, education, employment, and community life.

2) WHO:
• Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan (2013-2020): The WHO's Comprehensive
Mental Health Action Plan aims to promote mental health, prevent mental disorders, provide
care, enhance recovery, and reduce the mortality, morbidity, and disability associated with
mental health conditions through a range of strategic objectives, including the promotion of
mental health and well-being, the prevention of mental disorders, the provision of care, and
the promotion of human rights and recovery.
• Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP): The WHO's Mental Health Gap
Action Programme aims to scale up services for mental, neurological, and substance use
disorders through the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions,
capacity-building, training, and support to enhance mental health care delivery, integration,
and coverage.
• QualityRights Initiative:
The WHO's QualityRights Initiative aims to promote quality mental health care, protect the
human rights of individuals with mental health conditions, combat stigma and discrimination,
and foster community-based, person-centred, and recovery-oriented mental health services
through the development and implementation of standards, guidelines, training, and support
to human rights protection.

3) Global Mental Health Alliance: The Global Mental Health Alliance brings together
international organisations, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to
promote mental health, combat stigma, and enhance mental health care and support
through collaborative efforts, advocacy, policy development, research, and knowledge
exchange.

4) Global Mental Health Movement: The Global Mental Health Movement aims to
raise awareness, challenge stigma, and foster solidarity, support, and empowerment for
individuals and communities affected by mental health issues through grassroots
mobilisation, campaigns, events, and advocacy initiatives to promote mental health,
well-being, and human rights.

Relation of Mental Health Crisis and Stigmatization

Mental health crisis is a significant global issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide.
The stigma associated with mental health conditions exacerbates the challenges faced by
those experiencing such crises. Stigmatization often leads to the violation of human rights,
as individuals with mental health issues are frequently marginalised, discriminated against,
and denied access to proper care and support. This guide will delve into the complex
relationship between mental health crises, stigmatisation, and the violation of human rights.

A mental health crisis refers to a situation in which an individual’s mental or emotional state
poses a risk to themselves or others. This can manifest as severe depression, anxiety,
psychosis, suicidal ideation, or other acute symptoms that require immediate intervention.
Mental health crises can be triggered by various factors, including trauma, stress, genetic
predisposition, substance abuse, or underlying mental health disorders.

Stigmatisation surrounding mental health issues contributes significantly to the challenges

faced by individuals in crisis. Stigma arises from misconceptions, fear, prejudice, and
discrimination against those with mental illnesses. When individuals experiencing a mental
health crisis are stigmatised, they may be reluctant to seek help due to fear of judgement or
social repercussions. This reluctance can exacerbate their condition and increase the risk of
harm to themselves or others.

The stigmatisation of individuals in mental health crises often results in the violation of their
fundamental human rights. Denial of access to appropriate healthcare services,
discrimination in employment and education opportunities, social exclusion, and involuntary
institutionalisation are some common ways in which human rights are infringed upon. These
violations not only perpetuate the suffering of individuals in crisis but also hinder their
recovery and reintegration into society.

Efforts to address stigmatisation and human rights violations related to mental health crises
require a multi-faceted approach. Education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about
mental health issues can help dispel myths and reduce stigma. Advocacy for policy changes
that protect the rights of individuals with mental illnesses is crucial in ensuring equal
treatment and access to care. Additionally, promoting empathy, understanding, and
acceptance within communities can create a supportive environment for those experiencing
mental health crises.

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Mental Health

In the context of the mental health crisis, it is important to understand the socio-economic
factors that significantly influence mental health outcomes. These factors play a pivotal role
in shaping individuals’ mental well-being and can exacerbate or alleviate the challenges
faced by those experiencing mental health issues. Understanding how socio-economic
factors intersect with mental health is essential for addressing the broader issues of
stigmatisation and human rights violations within the mental health landscape.

Socio-economic status, including income level, education, employment status, and access to
resources, has a profound impact on mental health outcomes. Individuals facing economic
hardships are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression due to financial
instability and lack of access to adequate healthcare services. Moreover, limited educational
opportunities and unemployment can contribute to feelings of low self-worth and
hopelessness, further exacerbating mental health challenges.

The presence of strong social support networks is crucial for maintaining good mental
health. Socio-economic factors can influence an individual’s access to supportive
relationships, with marginalised communities often facing social isolation and discrimination.
Lack of social support can increase vulnerability to mental health issues and hinder recovery
processes. Addressing socio-economic disparities is essential for building inclusive
communities that foster positive mental well-being through supportive relationships.

Disparities in healthcare accessibility and quality based on socio-economic factors can

significantly impact mental health outcomes. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds
may face barriers in accessing mental health services due to financial constraints or
inadequate insurance coverage. Moreover, disparities in the quality of care provided to
different socio-economic groups can perpetuate inequalities in treatment outcomes, leading
to worsened mental health conditions over time.

Homelessness or inadequate housing conditions can have detrimental effects on mental

health. Lack of stable housing contributes to chronic stress, social isolation, and feelings of
insecurity, all of which are risk factors for developing mental illnesses.

Addressing the complex interplay between socio-economic factors and mental health is
essential for tackling the ongoing crisis in mental healthcare. By recognizing how economic
disparities, social support networks, healthcare accessibility, stigmatisation, and human
rights violations intersect with mental well-being, policymakers and stakeholders can develop
more holistic approaches to promote positive mental health outcomes for all individuals.

Cultural Perspectives on Mental Illness

The way mental illness is perceived, understood, and treated varies significantly from one
culture to another. These cultural perspectives can have profound implications for individuals
with mental health issues, exacerbating the mental health crisis through stigmatisation and
human rights violations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental illness as “a state of well-being in
which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of
life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to her or his community.”
However, various cultural beliefs influence how mental illness is perceived and labelled.
In some Asian cultures, mental illness may be viewed as a result of supernatural causes or
as a sign of weakness or shame. In Africa, traditional healing practices are often used
alongside Western medicine to treat mental health issues. In Latin American countries, there
may be a greater emphasis on spiritual causes of mental illness. In European cultures, there
may be more acceptance of psychiatric diagnoses but less understanding about the
complexity of mental health conditions.

Stigma associated with mental illness can lead to social exclusion, discrimination, and
human rights violations.Misconceptions about mental illness can lead to fear and avoidance
behaviours among family members and communities. For example, in some African cultures,
people with schizophrenia are believed to have been possessed by evil spirits and may be
shunned or ostracised from their communities.Labeling individuals with mental health issues
as ‘crazy’ or ‘mad’ can further reinforce negative stereotypes and hinder their ability to
access necessary care and support. This is particularly common in low-income countries
where resources are limited and stigma is more prevalent.

People with mental health issues are often confined to institutions where they face neglect,
abuse, and poor living conditions due to understaffing and lack of resources. This is
particularly common in developing countries where resources are limited for community care
services or alternative treatment modalities such as psychosocial rehabilitation programs
that respect the dignity and autonomy of individuals with mental health issues. In some
cultures where traditional healing practices are preferred over Western medicine for treating
mental health issues (such as in parts of Africa), individuals may not receive adequate care
due to a lack of understanding about the importance of evidence-based treatments like
antipsychotic medication or psychotherapy. This lack of access can result in untreated
conditions that worsen over time or even lead to suicide.