More than 70 years ago, various world leaders came together to create a new vision for
our world. In the wake of the horrendous atrocities committed during World War I and World
War II, world leaders recognized the importance of an international doctrine that all countries
and states must uphold. This doctrine outlines the basic human rights all individuals are entitled
to, simply based on their humanity.
There are more than 30 human rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, all of which are dedicated to the complete and unrestrained expression of oneself. The
premise of human rights are based on the belief that all individuals are entitled to a happy and
fulfilling life; ideals which align directly with the field of Mental Healthcare.
Mental Healthcare and Human Rights are inextricably linked. As mental health
advocates, we too are dedicated to the full functioning of each individual. Human rights and the
field of psychotherapy assert that a fully realized life can only be achieved when we are not
restrained, oppressed, or inhibited. Whether the inhibition is due to our circumstances or caused
by our own mental health struggles, we must all strive to uphold and protect the rights of
ourselves and others.
We all have different experiences, but beneath our differences we are all human and we
all struggle. Today we celebrate International Human Rights. We are grateful for the rights that
we enjoy each day, and we are dedicated to protecting the rights of our brothers and sisters.
To read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, check out the link below:
https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights