In many countries, awareness about mental health, brain health and substance use conditions is very limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Numerous publications and reports highlight that people living with these conditions experience wide-ranging human rights violations, stigma and discrimination within the health context and beyond. There is increasing acknowledgment at national and international levels that Universal Health Coverage will only be achieved with a firm commitment to human rights. 

WHO raises awareness and supports countries to tackle stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health, brain health and substance use conditions. The Organization also and supports countries to undertake policy and law reform in line with current international human rights standards, in order to ensure that people have access to community-based services that are person-centred and respect people’s rights. By working with, and supporting, key stakeholders, including mental health professionals, people with lived experience, policy-makers, nongovernmental organizations and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, families, caregivers and others, WHO works to change mindsets, promote practices that foster dignity, equality and inclusion and ensure that mental health conditions are treated as a public health priority.

More information on the QualityRights Initiative