What does MDAC do? Oliver Lewis

Mental Disability Advocacy Center (MDAC) MDAC advances the human rights of children and adults with actual or perceived intellectual or psycho-social (mental health) disabilities. Focusing on Europe and central Asia, we use a combination of law and advocacy to promote equality and social integration.

Our vision A world that values emotional, mental and learning differences, and where people respect each other’s autonomy and dignity.

Our values Respectful Cooperative Creative Accountable Professional

Our work Legal – We represent people in strategic cases (test case litigation) in domestic and international courts. Why? Policy and Advocacy – We monitor human rights, criticise governments and make recommendations. Why?

Where we work Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Serbia

THEME 1 legal capacity One of our work areas since starting in 2001 Guardianship is THE unexplored human rights issue in Europe There is more awareness now at the international level But little has changed in countries This means there is a lot of work to do!

What is the law’s response? Take away your of “legal capacity” Place you under plenary (total) guardianship Take away all your rights No appeals No complaints No reviews And “this is in your best interests”!

Right to vote: DENIED E.g. Hungary’s Constitution

Right to work: DENIED Work is an EU “competence”

Right to have a family: DENIED Get married if you want to Have children, and have support in raising the children if you need it

Right to use your money and property: DENIED Your guardian controls your money He/she may not help you use it Example of woman in Estonia whose daughter took her apartment away and put her in an institution Corruption

Right to live in the community: DENIED People are sent to institutions for the rest of their life…

MDAC’s approaches With partners, continue fighting in several countries Personal into political Work with disabled people’s organisations Make positive criticisms to governments National advocacy International advocacy

THEME 2 Institutions and institutionalisation Detention in psychiatric institutions: how people get in, and how people get out Court reviews of detention Around 1 million people

THEME 3 Ill treatment and death Overcrowding, degrading treatment, rape, physical violence, Consent to treatment Needless and early deaths Inadequate and discriminatory investigations

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities United Nations New! Countries should “ratify” the Convention Countries should “implement” the Convention We can encourage our governments to do these things

What does the Convention say? Treat me like you treat others (equality and non-discrimination) Don’t take away my rights just because I have a disability (legal capacity on equal basis with others)