Human Rights and People with Psychosocial Disabilities Presented by: Ms Robinah Alambuya At the 2 nd Annual Malawi Mental Health Research and Practice Development Conference 2012 Pan African Network of People with Psychosocial Disabilities Established 2005

History of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry 1991 World Federation of Mental Health Congress a decision taken to establish an independent voice 1999 WNUSP was established formally 2004 African delegates were invited to the WNUSP GA in Denmark 2005 Pan African Network of Users and Survivors (PANUSP) established

Kampala 2005 “A voice to promote and protect the rights and dignity of users and survivors of psychiatry”

Global Context 1990 – 1999 International Decade of Persons with Disabilities 1993 The United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities 1995 WNUSP becomes member of the Panel of Experts at UN 2002 – 2006 WNUSP participates in the drafting of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

CRPD Human rights treaty that created legal obligations for State Parties to promote and respect the rights of people with disabilities Furthermore, the Preamble (n) recognized “the importance for persons with disabilities of their individual autonomy and independence, including the freedom to make their own choices”

The Right to Participation and Inclusion Article 3(c) stated that one of the basic principles of the Convention was “full and effective participation and inclusion in society” of people with disabilities this gave further impetus for the right and obligation that people with psychosocial disabilities be listened to.

Challenging Invisibility It is important that people with psychosocial disabilities organize effectively to give meaning to participation and inclusion. The CRPD clearly articulates that where medical professionals and carers spoke or acted on behalf of persons diagnosed with mental illness did not equate to equality and full inclusion.

Cape Town 2011 Declaration

Cape Town Declaration 2011 The Declaration is a call for the full inclusion and participation of persons with psychosocial disabilities in determining their life journeys and for the end of discrimination and human rights violations on the Continent. It also recognizes that the alleviation of poverty is inescapably linked to the dignity of people on the continent and their mental well being.

Pan African Network Is a continental organisation established (2005) to represent the legitimate voice of pwpd in Africa aims to increase continental solidarity amongst organizations that promote and protect the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities. embraces the available legal frameworks and by building the capacity of users and survivor organizations, the Network seeks to achieve the following objectives:

Objectives PANUSP “To ensure that member organisations work towards improving the quality of life of people with psychosocial disabilities in Africa so that they may reclaim their dignity and achieve equal rights and opportunities; To function as an advocacy mechanism that is dedicated to social justice, human rights, empowerment, social development and full participation and inclusion of all people with psychosocial disabilities in Africa; To promote the establishment of national organisations and to support and promote their work and that of existing member organisations; To network and build relationships with other civil society organisations, intergovernmental organisations, regional bodies, governments and other relevant institutions and individuals to further its mission; and To be an African forum and network for the exchange of knowledge, raising awareness and the promotion of research regarding psychosocial disability.”

Conclusion The slogan “Continental solidarity to promote and protect the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities” through self representation and a human rights framework functions to: Challenge the perceptions of the voices of people with psychosocial disabilities as being irrelevant or ignored drives the search for solutions to the existing discrimination and stigma Promotes the full inclusion of people with psychosocial disabilities in their communities

Conclusion We believe in an Africa in which all people are free to be themselves and be treated with dignity We are all different and unique and our differences should be appreciated as an issue of divesity. WE NEED TO EMBRACE ALL IN THIS DIVERSITY !!!!!!

DIVERSITY IS BEAUTIFUL That is why we are all here !!!

THE END Zikomo !!! Webale!!!! Asante sana !!! Tatenda !!! Thank you !!!