Change Guardianship
Imagine being suddenly deprived of the right to choose where to live, to marry, to bring up a family, to enter into a contract, to work or to vote. This is the reality for many people under guardianship.
MDAC believes that we all have the right to choose and choice is something most of us take for granted. For the more difficult choices, buying a house or making a will for instance, we might seek help and support from family, friends or even from a lawyer. But ultimately the choice is ours.
We are supported in our belief by the international community and international law. The law, however, also has the power to remove these rights and domestic laws frequently do. It is these laws, often known as guardianship laws, that we aim to make public, challenge and change.
Yet guardianship is sometimes considered to be a necessity - imposed to 'protect' people considered not capable of making the right daily decisions, to protect them from the consequences of their own decisions and from people who might take advantage of them.
Unfortunately in many countries in Europe and central Asia this view is misleading. Guardianship is instead a legal process that can strip people of the right to make any decisions, can force people to live in institutions unnecessarily, encourage and also hide abuse, and can ensure that those who abuse aren't brought to justice. Read our guardianship reports here
These are the realities for many thousands of people in Europe and central Asia. We are working to change this reality and need your help. Please help us
- challenge inappropriate imposition of guardianship before domestic and European courts
- research guardianship practice, laws and policy
- encourage governments to provide supported-decision making in place of guardianship
What can you do?
1. Talk.
Despite the large numbers of people under guardianship, very few of us are aware of its possible consequences. This can be changed if enough of us talk about it to our friends, colleagues and families. Start talking.
2. Write.
Write to your government to ask what plans they have to support people who might need assistance with making decisions. Ask them if support is being provided or whether the right to make decisions is simply removed. Write to the Ambassador of a country which you are concerned about. Here are suggestions about what you could write in your letter.
3. Inform.
MDAC relies on credible information on the human rights situation of people with intellectual mental health disabilities. Use our feedback page to tell us about your experiences of guardianship or those of someone you know. Your confidentiality is assured.
4. Give.
MDAC relies on donations from people like you. Donate securely now!
