Mind responds to Human Rights Act review draft consultation
Mind responds to Human Rights Act review draft consultation
Today the Human Rights Act Review report and Government consultation has been published. The UK Government established the Independent Human Rights Act Review in December 2020 to examine how the Human Rights Act is working in practice and whether any change is needed. Our human rights are the hidden foundations which help us all live together freely and fairly, a safety net to protect us all.
The Human Rights Act (HRA) provides significant protection for people with mental health problems by helping change practice and procedure, culture, and attitudes, and offering redress – through acknowledgement or reimbursement - when breaches have taken place. As European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) case law has developed, so too have the safeguards and rights of people with mental health problems in the UK.
In March 2021, Mind submitted evidence to the Human Rights Act Review outlining how important human rights are for people with mental health problems and raised concerns about proposed changes to the Human Rights Act.
Head of Legal at Mind, Rheian Davies says:
“We know that people experiencing mental health problems do not always get the support they need or the dignity and respect that they deserve throughout their treatment. Human Rights are vital for those of us with mental health problems, and so we are disappointed that the UK Government has proposed changes which could ultimately make it harder for individuals to make sure their human rights are valued and respected.
“We will be taking the time to carefully consider the UK Government’s consultation, speaking to people who have been through the mental health system, and responding to this, encouraging the UK Government to consider their needs and experiences to make sure people's human rights are protected.”
