NHRC calls for accessible, non-discriminatory mental health services

Kathmandu, Oct 10: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government and stakeholders concerned to ensure everyone has access to healthcare services, including mental health services, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the existing laws.

In press release issued today on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the NHRC called for mental health services to be made widely accessible, affordable, of good quality, and free from discrimination.

The NHRC has urged governments at all three levels and all stakeholders for the management of human resources to provide local psychosocial counselling and support. It also stressed the need to ensure the privacy and dignity of people experiencing mental health issues, and ensure their meaningful participation in decisions concerning them.

World Mental Health Day is observed globally on October 10 every year. This year’s theme is ” Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.

The NHRC has expressed concern that the fundamental rights to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of citizens with mental health issues in Nepal  are not being adequately respected or protected.

According to the press release, the NHRC monitoring has revealed that the voices and lived experiences of people with mental health conditions are often overlooked, leaving them vulnerable to abuse, discrimination and violations of their rights.

The Commission also said that limited access to mental health services, social stigma, discrimination, financial hardships, and a lack of psychosocial support continue to undermine the rights of the affected people to live with dignity.

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 1 billion people globally live with a mental health condition. These conditions account for 1 in 6 years lived with disability globally and can contribute to significant distress, disability and inequities.