Useful resources on human rights

This page lists relevant resources provided by the College's Special Committee on Human Rights (SCHR).

Organisations

The British Institute of Human Rights

The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) is a charity that works with both individuals and communities to enable them to use human rights laws to bring about positive changes in their lives. The Institute develops tools in collaboration with the people affected by human rights issues, thus improving self-advocacy and co-production.

The website has links to sign up for training around addressing human rights in the workplace, communities and for individuals.

The SCHR has developed a bespoke training programme on human rights in mental health suitable for psychiatrists in collaboration with the College. The SCHR develops similar programme with NHS Trusts adapting to their needs. It brings out a monthly newsletter which provides updates on human rights issues.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Equality and Human Rights Commission are an independent body, the regulator of human rights for England, Scotland and Wales and in that capacity, hold government and other duty bearers to account to ensure they recognize and adhere to equality and human rights laws. They provide information on human rights law, evaluate if human rights are being upheld and enforce the provision of human rights.

The website has a human rights tracker, which can be used to see the action taken to improve human rights across specific areas, including mental and physical health.

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland is a body that is appointed by the Scottish ministers, particularly useful to those working and living in Scotland. Its role is to visit people, monitor the use of mental health and incapacity law, carry out investigations, provide information and advice, influence and challenge as necessary.

The website features an advice line for questions relating to rights and good practice to do with mental health and incapacity law, and care and treatment. There is also information on mental illness, treatments and the laws around this for patients. This information is useful and applicable not just for Scotland, but also England and Wales.

Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch is an international organization which addresses issues around violation of human rights across the world. Their work spans more than 100 countries across the world, with more than 500 professionals working for them. Their work is to protect and investigate abuse of human rights across the world, expose these abuses and mobilize action to change policy.

Some of their successes Include a treaty for the banning of land mines and another treaty for banning of child soldiers. They feel that everyone in the world deserve a life of freedom, safety and unity.

Other resources

Alternatives to Coercion in Mental Health Settings: A Literature Review

Coercion is a topic in which the SCHR is very interested. The Committee has been involved in drafting a response to a WHO/UN document on mental health, human rights and legislation, offering an interpretation of coercion which the SCHR believes is more in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which the UK is a signatory.

This literature review was commissioned by the United Nations Office at Geneva. It addresses the definition of coercion, its use in psychiatric services and alternatives to coercion both in hospital and community settings.