A Rights-Based Approach to Disability in the Context of Mental Health

This discussion paper proposes a framework to ensure a rights-based approach to programming related to disability in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) at UNICEF. It presents standards and lessons learned from the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and it explores how they impact mental health and psychosocial well-being. Accordingly, it intends to stimulate a dialogue and common understanding of the existing opportunities and challenges related to persons with psychosocial disabilities within the UNICEF programmatic and operational agenda.