December 10: Human Rights Day

December 10th is Human Rights Day, adopted by the UN in 1948. It promotes that everyone is entitled to human rights, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political, national or social origin, property, birth, or another identifying factor. This year’s theme relates to equality, and that “all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights." The focus is on addressing discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people, BIPOC people, migrants, and people with disabilities.  

The UN has acknowledged that mental health is an important human right. An OHCHR Report found that globally:  

• Mental health conditions will affect one in four people throughout their lifetime.
• Globally, mental health does not enjoy parity with physical health in budgeting, medical education, or practice.
• Stigma is a significant determinant of quality of care and access to the full range of services required by persons with mental health conditions.
• Almost two-thirds of persons with mental health conditions will not seek treatment for their condition.
• Poor mental health is a predisposing factor for physical health problems.
• Persons with mental health conditions have a much-reduced life expectancy compared with the general population, with an estimated drop in life expectancy of 20 years for men and 15 years for women.

At Caminar, we are committed to responding to the urgent behavioral health needs of underserved populations in our communities. We believe that inequity will not go away without access to behavioral health care for all.