Presentation Information
[SY-26]Balancing Legal Obligations and Medical Ethics: Implementing Rights-Based Mental Health Care under the CRPD
Samuel Law1, Chonnakarn Jatchavala2, Shinsuke Kondo3, Shaohua Lu4 (1.University of Toronto(Canada), 2.Prince of Songkla University(Thailand), 3.University of Tokyo(Japan), 4.University of British Columbia(Canada))
Keywords:
CRPD,rights-based care,involuntary treatment,medical ethics
The historical use of involuntary treatment of persons with mental illness has often resulted in serious human rights violations around the world. In response, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) calls for a shift towards care based on human rights principles. While many countries have ratified the CRPD, there are significant challenges in implementing its mandates. Rights-based paradigms may sometimes result in treatable conditions being left unaddressed by medical systems, with affected individuals instead facing incarceration through judicial systems. In low- and middle-income countries, where mental health services are often insufficient, psychiatrists typically become the primary advocates for the human rights of people with mental disabilities, leading efforts to educate treatment teams and the broader community.
This presentation examines how leading psychiatrists across the Pacific Rim countries interpret and implement the CRPD's call for rights-centred care. Drawing on insights from both high-income and resource-limited settings, the session will explore how psychiatrists navigate the intersection of legal obligations and ethical considerations. Case studies from various countries will illustrate the complexities of reconciling human rights principles with the realities of mental health care.
The presentation will be followed by a general discussion in which participants will be encouraged to participate actively. This interactive dialogue aims to deepen understanding of the challenges and opportunities of implementing CRPD principles and provide valuable perspectives for developing mental health systems worldwide.
This presentation examines how leading psychiatrists across the Pacific Rim countries interpret and implement the CRPD's call for rights-centred care. Drawing on insights from both high-income and resource-limited settings, the session will explore how psychiatrists navigate the intersection of legal obligations and ethical considerations. Case studies from various countries will illustrate the complexities of reconciling human rights principles with the realities of mental health care.
The presentation will be followed by a general discussion in which participants will be encouraged to participate actively. This interactive dialogue aims to deepen understanding of the challenges and opportunities of implementing CRPD principles and provide valuable perspectives for developing mental health systems worldwide.