KOSHISH

To ensure the protection of the dignity and rights of persons with mental health and psychosocial disability in Nepal in terms of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities, 2006 (UNCRPD, 2006). To promote the voice of persons with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities through empowering self- advocates.

Mission statement

KOSHISH is a non-governmental organization established in 2008 and led by individuals with firsthand experience to promote mental health and psychosocial well-being in Nepal. We strive to ensure the inclusion and meaningful participation of people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities in line with international human right treaties, including United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD, 2006). We promote self-advocacy in the spirit of “NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US.”

We have been continuously advocating for mainstreaming and inclusion of mental health in overall health system and beyond (social protection, education, meaningful inclusion, employment, etc.).

Summary of relevant work

KOSHISH works under 3 thematic areas - Advocacy and awareness, Community Engagement and Humanitarian Response

1. Advocacy and Awareness:

KOSHISH advocates for adoption, amendment and implementation of laws, regulations, policies and programs in line with the Nepali constitution, 2015, and international human rights treaties, especially UNCRPD, 2006. Working in both top down and bottom up approaches, KOSHISH focuses on:

Capacity building,
Collaboration,
Partnership,
Networking,
Lobbying,
Media mobilization,
Laws and policies review and their effective follow-up.

It has helped to raise awareness and orient government stakeholders, judiciary, bureaucrats, constitutional body members, media personnel, CSOs, rights holders and the public on the issues of mental health and psychosocial disability.

2. Community Engagement:

Under Community Engagement, KOSHISH has been promoting self-empowerment, inclusive families, responsive governance, and a sensitive community for the well being of persons with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities. This thematic area emphasizes social considerations in basic services and security, strengthening support systems, and providing non-specialized and specialized services to persons with mental health conditions in line with WHO’s IASC guideline. It is an inclusive rights-based approach that provides accessible, preventive, protective and promotive services utilizing local resources and ensuring quality participation of persons with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities.

3. Humanitarian Response:

Under humanitarian response, KOSHISH has been implementing various interventions during emergencies, such as earthquake, COVID-19 pandemic, etc. During the COVID-19 pandemic, KOSHISH not only provided Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for people living with or at risk of mental health conditions, but also provided various relief assistance (food and non-food items, basic hygienic kits) to those in need. Additionally, KOSHISH has been providing emergency psychosocial support and care to those women who have been subjected to human rights violations due to their mental health condition and also to those who do not have access to quality psychosocial care due to low economic conditions and gender based violence.