Every year on 10 December, the world marks Human Rights Day. It commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, a document that continues to guide how we protect and uphold the inherent dignity of every person. The United Nations (UN) reminds us that human rights are universal, indivisible and fundamental to freedom, equality and justice for all.
“This year, as I reflect on the UN’s call to action, I cannot help but think about the people, families and communities across Australia who still struggle to have their rights recognised within our mental health system,” said Kerry Hawkins Community Mental Health (CMHA) CEO.
“At Community Mental Health Australia, we believe that a fair and just mental health system must be built on a foundation of human rights,” Kerry said.
“That means ensuring people are supported to live with dignity, to make decisions about their own care and to participate fully in their communities,” she commented.
“Human rights are not optional extras in mental health. They are the starting point for every policy, every service model and every interaction with the people we serve,” she said.
“People should never have to fight for the rights they already hold,” she finalised.
This Human Rights Day, we are joining the growing number of organisations and advocates calling for Australia to adopt a national Human Rights Act. While several jurisdictions have their own charters or acts, Australia remains the only liberal democracy without national human rights legislation. This gap leaves too many people, especially those experiencing mental health challenges or psychosocial disability, without clear and enforceable protections.
A national Human Rights Act would strengthen our ability to build a mental health system that truly respects autonomy, equality and participation. It would help guide governments, services and communities to make decisions that uphold the rights of every person. Most importantly, it would give people a clearer voice and mechanism to ensure their rights are protected.
“It’s time. A Human Rights Act would give Australia the framework we need to build a system that treats every person with dignity and fairness,” said Kerry.
On this Human Rights Day, we recommit ourselves to advocating for a rights-based mental health system and to working with governments and communities to make it a reality. Human rights belong to all of us, and it is our shared responsibility to bring them to life in the places where they matter most.
