*6 August 2011* *Pune* : The Schizophrenia Awareness Association (SAA) and the Bapu Trust of Pune, which have been collaborating to sensitize people on the rights of people with psycho-social disability (mental illness), are holding a special function on Saturday to mark the 10th year of the Erwadi tragedy. The function will focus on ensuring human rights of people with psycho-social disability.
SAA and the Trust observe August 6 as Erwadi Memorial Day. It was on that day in 2001 that 25 persons with mental illness died in a fire in a home for people with mental illness in Tamil Nadu as they could not escape a fire, as they were chained. Rights of people with mental illness are violated even now, not only in the community but also in their own homes, says Prof. Anil Vartak of the SAA, stressing the need for spreading awareness. SAA and the Trust are now waiting for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2011, submitted by the drafting committee to the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to be passed. The bill promises landmark clauses to promote human rights and fundamental freedom of all Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) without discrimination. The bill has been drafted in line with the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). India is in the process of implementing the UNCRPD, which it ratified in 2008. The draft bill provides for dedicated authorities at the centre and the states to regulate and monitor implementation of the new law once it comes into force. The draft focuses on rights issues and speaks of health provisions to be made for providing therapy to overcome or reduce disability impact, adds Vartak. http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/827979/ -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
