Mental Welfare Commission calls for human rights-based approach in new mental health strategy

Today on International Human Rights Day, the Mental Welfare Commission has called for Scottish Government to commit to a human rights-based approach in its new mental health strategy.

The new mental health strategy, which is due to be published this month, will outline the Government's 10-year vision to transform mental health services across Scotland.

The Commission welcomes the new strategy, and is calling for a stronger focus on human rights as a key component of Scotland's mental health care.

Colin McKay, chief executive of the Mental Welfare Commission, said:

"We at the Commission believe there is a great opportunity in the Scottish Government's next mental health strategy to improve the mental wellbeing of the country as a whole.

"Crucially, we believe the vision must be built around a rights-based approach, drawing on the recommendations of our report with the Scottish Human Rights Commission on embedding human rights in mental health care.

"Human rights are for everyone, but are particularly important for people using mental health services. They are the only group who may be legally required to accept treatment they do not want.

"We believe that this legal framework must be reviewed during the lifetime of the next mental health strategy, to ensure Scotland remains in line with international human rights standards.

"More broadly, a human rights based approach will ensure that the new strategy is developed with mental health service users, and addresses the profound inequality they experience - in healthcare, in employment, and in participation in society."

Note to editors

On 23 March 2016, the Mental Welfare Commission proposed six priorities we ask to be included in the next mental health strategy. The article is available to read on our website.

The Commission published a joint report with the Scottish Human Rights Commission on human rights in mental health care in Scotland. The full report is available on our website.

Jamie Wilson 0131 313 8782 (Mon-Fri)