NGO Committee on Mental Health

Mission Statement

 The NGO Committee on Mental Health was established in 1996 under the auspices of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGO) in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The creation of this Committee has fostered a strong collaboration between NGOs that has strengthened the efforts to bring understanding and appreciation of Mental Health issues to the global agenda at the United Nations.

The primary mission of the Committee is the promotion of psychosocial well-being, the improvement of mental health care services, and advocacy and education in the prevention of mental illness. The Committee works with the United Nations, and its specialized agencies, to ensure the inclusion of mental health issues within a broader context of concerns such as vulnerable populations, human rights, poverty, violence, the environment, peace and well-being.

The NGO Committee on Mental Health is strongly committed to:

raising public consciousness regarding the importance of recognizing mental health as a priority issue;

• advocating for all individuals to have the right to realize their full potential for optimal functioning both physically and mentally;
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• and publicly addressing societal stigma about mental health and mental disorders.
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• We must move to effectively address attitudes and policies towards positive change. 

Action Priorities of the NGO Committee on Mental Health

• Recalling the WHO Constitution which states that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity; the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition; and that
• the health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent upon the fullest cooperation of individuals and States.

The NGO Committee asserts and recommends that:

Governments, the United Nations system, and NGOs should integrate mental health as a priority issue into all levels of policy and program development. The promotion of psychological well-being and the improvement of mental health care services must be included within a broader context of concerns such as human rights, violence, vulnerable populations, the environment, peace and well-being;

• Governments should initiate programs and allocate resources aimed at promoting a position of prominence for mental health within the public health agenda, and promote a better understanding and acceptance of the mental health needs of all people as well as challenging misconceptions and false belief systems about psychiatric disability;
• The General Assembly, in all its considerations, should include specific statements recognizing that a destructive impact on mental health is inherent in situations such as war, poverty, human rights violations, oppression, violence and other conditions that destroy the quality of life;
• In studying and considering solutions to problems, provisions of mental health services must be included; and
  Discrimination against persons with psychiatric disabilities and other psychological problems must be eliminated and appropriate mental health care should be available to all.

Mental Health Advocacy at the United Nations

The Committee's members represent a very diversified constituency. The members include NGOs, individuals, the private sector, governments and representatives of the UN and its various agencies.

The Committee participates in key UN meetings and has developed a highly effective advocacy model. Over the years, the Committee has organized monthly programs on various topics that frequently coincide with UN activities, events, conferences and special sessions of UN bodies. Invited speakers are often distinguished professionals and experts, government representatives, and individuals from within the UN.

The Committee has been working to establish strategic relationships with several key UN bodies and Commissions such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UN High Commission for Refugees, the International Labour Organization, UNICEF, the Commission on the Status of Women, Commission on Human Rights and the Commission on Social Development.

Working in strong collaboration with other NGO Committees, governments and the UN, the focus of the Committee's advocacy centers around five critical areas: social development, human rights, the rights of persons with psychiatric disabilities, gender perspectives, peace building and social reconciliation.

Guiding Principles

• Promote a holistic approach to prevention, treatment and policy development;
• Promote positive attitudes about mental health;
• Promote mental health as essential in social development and peace-building;
• Promote relationships/partnerships within the UN system and with other NGOs;
• Promote mental health as a basic human right;
• Promote mental health throughout all the periods of the life cycle.

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For more information, visit the CONGO website and search the CONGO Substantive Committees and the Calendar of Events at http://www.ngocongo.org/ngosubs/mentalhealth.htm.