Inequity and Madness

The two most important notions concerning the rights of people with mental illnesses are among the most neglected: the first is that human rights and duties are complementary and that both must be considered in constructing a framework for mental health care. The second is that we must strive for equity in developing mental health programmes. This text addresses both these notions. It provides the background and the facts about fulfilment of needs and the protection of human rights of people with mental illnesses.