Human Rights Week 2022

Human Rights Week

International Human Rights Dayis observed every year on 10 December. On this day in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This year’s Human Rights Week (Vic) is from 2 – 9 December 2022 and we are partnering with our affiliate organisations to put Human Rights in Action.

If you would like to improve your knowledge of human rights and apply this knowledge in a practical way, sign up to take part in in daily actionson the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission’s website.

At the MHCC, we take a human rights-based approach and the principles of Mental Health Act 2014 (the Act) and Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 guide all our work. When people contact us, we help them understand and exercise their rights and advise of next steps using a rights-based, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented approach.

Actions: Do you know your Mental Health Rights and Principles?

To do now:

Our actions this year, are to grow your knowledge and to familiarise yourself about Mental Health Rights and Principles according to the Act. You can also use them to educate yourself or support someone who is seeking to gain a stronger understanding of their rights under the Act as well as what to expect when receiving treatment in Victoria’s public mental health system. #HRWVic2022

They are also available on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

To do this week

Educate yourself or someone you care for by watching consumers, carers and clinicians talk aboutwhy It's Ok to Complain! and how speaking up about your concerns can help improve Victoria’s mental health system (5 minutes).

Empower yourself or someone you care for by reading our language guide - a resource for anyone who wants to use person-centred, clear, inclusive and respectful language in a mental health context (10 minutes).

Exercise your right to complain If you feel that your rights, or the rights of someone you care for, have not been upheld while receiving mental health assessment or treatment. You can contact the MHCC on 1800 246 054, email help@mhcc.vic.gov.au, or visit mhcc.vic.gov.au