The 10th December of every year is set aside by the United Nations to commemorate the International Human Rights Day. It reminds us all, of the day in 1948, shortly after the end of the second world war, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by all member countries at the United Nations. This was in recognition of the fact that we cannot have a peaceful and progressive world, until the inalienable and fundamental human rights of every single human being is affirmed, respected, promoted and defended by all. Thus, it was critical that the United Nations was at the forefront of this advocacy and all nations signed up on the fundamental declaration.
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” – Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Human Rights and Mental Illness
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a milestone document proclaiming the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being regardless of any status. Unfortunately, all over the world, the status of having a mental health problem is one that often results in stigma, shame, lack of access to quality care, as well as abuse and gross violations of their human rights. Practices such as chaining, deprivation or access to food and decent living conditions, physical beatings, rape and other inhumane actions are only too common – especially in developing countries where supernatural beliefs about the causes of mental illness remains pervasive.
Thus, the recent discoveries of various ‘rehabilitation homes’ across Nigeria, and rescue of hundreds of citizens from these places – the majority of whom were sent there on account of mental health challenges can be better understood, against this background. The situation is dire, at the individual level, family level, community as well as larger societal levels.
Individual level: Affected persons undoubtedly will feel abandoned, rejected, by society, completely alone and stripped of all human dignity. This is shameful and unacceptable. More so, when we realize that mental illness can affect any and everyone – regardless of socio-economic status, level of education, family background, religiosity, age and so on. So, the pertinent question we should pay attention to, should be: “How would I want to be treated if I was the one affected”? Our rights are all better served when we ensure that collectively, as a society, we do not tolerate the violation of the fundamental human rights of any one – and especially the rights of persons with mental illness.
Family Level: As a family, the predominant issues often revolve around shame and embarrassment as a direct consequence of the associated stigma. Ignorance is also a major influence here, as many families will take their loved ones to places where they are chained, even though they love them and want the best for them. But they carry out such actions nonetheless, because they erroneously believe that it is the best cause of action to help the affected family member, overcome what they see as a ‘spiritual problem’ that cannot be treated medically in hospitals or community clinics. Thus, they overlook the human rights abuses and the poor conditions (including chaining) as a necessary evil to help them get better.
Community/Society: We have somewhat become desensitized and no longer see it as an anomaly, for individuals with mental illness to be naked and roaming the streets. We simply shake hour heads and cross to the other side of the road, when we encounter one. There is also a subconscious superstitious undertone: “after all, we don’t know what curse is affecting them; or maybe they did something bad that backfired against them, so best not to interfere and simply mind our own business.” We may add a prayer or two for us and our loved ones never to suffer such affliction. So, we rationalize it and make peace with our conscience that it has nothing to do with us, so we can move on with our lives. We only become moved, if they are female and pregnant, or have young babies or children…such as the Calabar family of 4, and it is only in such circumstances, that we are moved from our indifference to proactive action – geared towards rescuing the children.
Conclusion
The greatest obstacle to the promotion of the fundamental human rights of persons with mental illness in our society remains ignorance, superstitious beliefs and the poor state of social services across the country. And the greatest intervention for dispelling the darkness of ignorance is to light a candle and provide information. Mental illness is a medical disorder and not a spiritual affliction. It is treatable and the individuals will recover and return to normal functioning. Lets work together to protect the dignity and human rights of all affected persons.