Human Rights of Persons with Mental Disabilities

Human rights of people with mental disabilities have become a subject of interest of international law only very recently. Despite intensive develop­ment in the last years, the implementation of these rights often remains unsatisfactory due to the characteristic vulnerability of persons with mental disabilities, especially when they are deprived of liberty. This book examines the development and contemporary approach of international human rights law towards persons with disabilities in the light of theoretical models of disability. It continues with evaluating the compatibility of Czech law and practice concerning the right to liberty of mentally ill persons with the principles established by the European Court of Human Rights. Conclusions drawn from these two parts suggest how the above mentioned principles as well as relevant Czech law and practice may be improved in order to advance the human rights of persons with mental disabilities. This analysis is a useful resource for professionals and policy makers in the fields of law, social work and psychiatry, as well as for persons with mental disabilities themselves.