Still many human rights challenges to face

Media Release
December 10
Still many human rights challenges to face, says Mental Health Foundation

The human rights of someone within the mental health system are still a major cause for concern, says the Mental Health Foundation on International Human Rights Day.

The Foundation was appalled at reports just last month of a mentally ill patient kept in restrained seclusion for nearly six years.

The case surfaced, along with several other disturbing instances of maltreatment of patients, as part of Ombudsmen Annual Report 2009.

The Foundation says the Ombudsmen report highlights the need for greater transparency with regard to compulsory treatment of people in mental health services.

However, to a certain extent there has been great progress over recent years for people with experience of mental illness, says the Foundation.

Anti-discrimination legislation offers protection to New Zealanders, including those with experience of a mental health issue, in various aspects of their life, such as employment.

Additionally, research conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Health’s Like Minds programme last year showed that New Zealanders' attitudes toward mental illness continue to improve.

"Programmes such as Like Minds, Like Mine have achieved a great deal over the last decade," says Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation. "But while New Zealanders are becoming more aware and accepting of mental illness, discrimination is still an issue in many areas, such as employment."

More information on Like Minds’ campaigns against stigma and discrimination can be found at www.likeminds.org.nz

Anyone who feels their human rights have been breached and they have been discriminated against because of their experience of mental illness can lodge a formal complaint to the Human Rights Commission. Visit www.hrc.co.nz

ENDS

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