Mental health and human rights

People with mental disorders are some of the most neglected people in the world. In many communities, mental illness is not considered a real medical condition, but viewed as a weakness of character or as a punishment for immoral behaviour. Even when people with mental disorders are recognized as having a medical condition, the treatment they receive is often less than humane.

Human rights violations against people with mental disorders occur in communities throughout the world – in mental health institutions, hospitals, and in the wider community

http://www.who.int/features/2005/mental_health/en/index.html