Stop Violating Rights of Persons With Disabilities & Mental Health Conditions - Hope For Future Generations Cautions
A non-governmental organization, Hope For Future Generations (HFFG) has cautioned the media and general public to refrain from violating and stigmatizing persons with disabilities and mental health conditions.
In a statement issued by the Executive Director of Hope for Future Generations, Mrs Cecilia Senoo and Coordinator-General of The PsykForum, Ms Vivian Aubyn, the organization condemned the “use of derogatory words by the panellists in describing people with mental health conditions. The use of such derogatory words are stigmatising and discriminatory and it is against their human rights. The effect of stigma and discrimination include delay in seeking treatment, treatment discontinuation, difficulties obtaining housing and employment, social isolation, and adverse economic effects among others”.
They encouraged the media and public to resort to the “use of positive language when describing or talking to and about people with disabilities including people with mental health conditions”, explaining the “use of positive language shows acceptance, reduces stigma and allows people with mental health conditions to live normal healthy lives and work to reach their full potential”.
About HFFG & The PsyKForum
Hope for Future Generations and The PsyKForum is a consortium implementing the Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) and stigma reduction for mental health and disability inclusion project funded with UK Aid from the UK Government under Ghana Somubi Dwumadie (Ghana Participation Programme).
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