IUPsyS is pleased to join the global psychological science and mental health communities in commemorating World Mental Health Day 2023 on October 10, 2023. The WHO notes that “World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right’ to improve knowledge, raise awareness, and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right. #Our minds, our rights. For more information, visit here.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have developed new guidance on mental health, human rights, and legislation. The guidance provides critical information to enable policymakers, lawmakers, and other stakeholders to formulate laws in line with international human rights standards including the UN CRPD. It also offers practical information on how to develop, implement, and evaluate mental health-related legislation following a rights-based process.
The theme is relevant to all psychologists and it is critical for specialists (basic and applied) in psychology to contribute to the dialogue and contribute to the IUPsyS global mental health strategy. As part of a celebration of World Mental Health Day, IUPsyS, the Global Voice of Psychology, invites its Members to provide comments and feedback on the October 9, 2023, WHO/OHCHR Launch Webinar and the Mental Health, Human Rights and Legislation: Guidance and Practice Document, which is available here. Submit comments and suggestions via the online form by November 30, 2023 to inform the Union’s strategic priorities and activities.