Inspect!
Abuse and human rights violations often occur behind closed doors. If unseen no-one can be held accountable for them and they can continue without risk whatever their cause. Visibility in society reduces the risk of abuse. People detained in mental health and social care institutions are frequently not visible: they are, instead, vulnerable.
Aware of this vulnerability and having been made aware of abuse within institutions for which no-one has been held accountable, MDAC highlights these abuses wherever possible. In itself this isn’t enough. It is necessary to do more if we want to reduce the risk and frequency of abuse. We therefore campaign to ensure that all countries develop adequate and effective inspectorates of mental health and social care institutions.
We have identified basic requirements necessary for effective inspectorates. These requirements are drawn from and based upon international legal standards agreed following debates in domestic, regional and international meetings. They can be found in our 2006 Inspect! report, the result of year long research into inspectorates generally and the current practice of six European countries.
One current focus is on encouraging countries to become a party to the recent international human rights instrument, the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT). Our reason is that countries which have ratified OPCAT are under a legal duty to develop inspectorates of institutions. A few have already taken this step. Others will follow their example if encouraged or pressurised to do so. We are all in a position to offer this encouragement and, where necessary, pressure. Please join us in doing so.
How you can participate:
It is important that people are made aware of the need for regular inspections of institutions where people are detained and at risk of abuse. You can contribute to raising such awareness by discussing the issue with those you come in contact with.
Our campaigns rely on credible information on the human rights situation of people with intellectual mental health disabilities. If you would like to tell us about your experiences within an institution or those of someone else, past or present, we would welcome your comments. These can be made by following the link to our feedback box. Your confidentiality is assured.
You can write to governments urging that they ensure the development of effective inspectorates of institutions and specifically to those in the region who have not ratified OPCAT. These are: Bulgaria, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Slovakia. For suggested points to make in your letter click here
Alternatively you can contribute to this and our other campaigns by donating to MDAC.
Related Documents
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