The right to mental health in international and national legislation initiatives challenging the dominant biomedical perspective

Petkovska, Sanja (2025) The right to mental health in international and national legislation initiatives challenging the dominant biomedical perspective. In: The right to health. Belgrade: Institute of Criminological and Sociological Research; Novi Sad: Bar Association of Vojvodina; Branch of Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Novi Sad, pp. 447-459. ISBN 978-86-905844-4-4

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Abstract

This paper provides an exploratory overview of the evolving international and national legislative initiatives related to the right to mental health. While there is a growing recognition of the need to shift away from the dominant biomedical paradigm, existing systems persistently fall short of delivering mental care and support that aligns with higher human rights standards. Through the examination of international policy initiatives and analysis of national-level protection measures and actors, this study contextualises current trends in mental health care regulations. Case studies of selected awareness raising campaigns – deemed examples of good practice – offer insights into the strategic approaches employed by various stakeholders to promote mental health rights. Additionally, we provide a preliminary analysis of these campaigns, highlighting their role in shaping the current public practices and understandings of mental health. The conclusion juxtaposes the established international policy initiatives with practices in the form of awareness-raising campaigns on the international and national levels, while providing an initial assessment of the capacity of the existing legislative bodies and institutions to follow the trends related to the right to mental health.

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