From exclusion to inclusion : the way forward under the new mental health act

Abstract

This thesis explores the field of mental health in relation to human rights and social inclusion. Most often the relationship between mental health and human rights seems difficult to imagine. However such relationship is intrinsic for persons suffering from mental disorders as for years their human rights were violated and consequently they were also excluded from the community. Years of institutionalisation and forced treatment have greatly influenced the way we perceive such persons today. Nonetheless progress is being achieved due to international and European awareness to change our approach in respect to the mental health sector and persons suffering from mental disorders per se. Thus, this thesis first seeks to furnish the vulnerability of persons suffering from mental disorders as they constantly tend to face stigma, discrimination and exclusion due to their mental illness. Ultimately these barriers when exercised together perpetrate injustice and inequality. Therefore, the thesis then enters into an analysis of the new Mental Health Act which was adopted recently. From such analysis the thesis seeks to furnish whether the new legislation is in line with the current human right standards which advocates that persons suffering from mental disorders are subjects of rights and consequently their inclusion in the community should be protected and promoted.