Table of Contents
Dispatches: Chained, Locked Up, and Abused … Because of a Disability
October 9, 2023
By
Inhumane Treatment: The Reality of Shackling
The practice of shackling individuals with psychosocial disabilities is a grave violation of human rights that continues to persist in over 60 countries. The stories are horrifying – individuals chained in sheds, cages, or tethered to trees for extended periods, forced to exist in deplorable conditions where they eat, sleep, and perform bodily functions in the same cramped space. This inhumane practice is driven by the widespread stigma surrounding mental health and the lack of access to adequate support services for those with psychosocial disabilities.
One cannot ignore the profound suffering endured by the hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children who are subject to this unjust treatment. The story of Paul, a pseudonym for a man living in Kenya, exemplifies the harsh reality faced by those shackled. Paul has spent the past five years with heavy metal chains around his ankles, waist, and hands. With a heavy heart, he shared his experience, stating, “The chain is so heavy, it doesn’t feel right. It makes me sad. A human being should be free.”
A Global Call to Ban Shackling
In light of World Mental Health Day, it is imperative that governments take decisive action to ban the practice of shackling. This step is not only crucial to combat the stigma against mental health but also to promote the development of quality, accessible, and affordable community-based support services for individuals with psychosocial disabilities.
Though progress has been made in some countries with regards to mental health, the issue of shackling remains largely overlooked. There is a dire need for data collection and coordinated governmental efforts to address this egregious violation of human rights. To this end, Human Rights Watch has launched the #BreakTheChains campaign, collaborating with organizations representing people with disabilities, human rights advocates, and anti-torture organizations worldwide.
Combating Stigma: A Moral Imperative
Stigma surrounding mental health is deeply entrenched in societies globally, and it is this stigma that perpetuates the practice of shackling. Addressing this stigma is not only a matter of human rights but also a moral imperative. It is our collective responsibility to challenge societal attitudes and foster an environment of acceptance, understanding, and support for individuals with psychosocial disabilities.
Furthermore, governments must prioritize the development of comprehensive mental health services that are inclusive, accessible, and person-centered. This necessitates a multi-faceted approach involving investment in resources, training for healthcare professionals, and destigmatizing mental health conditions through public awareness campaigns.
Editorial: Breaking the Chains of Injustice
The ongoing practice of shackling individuals with psychosocial disabilities represents a grave violation of human rights and a blight on our global society. Governments must take immediate action to ban this inhumane practice and provide individuals with the support and care they deserve.
It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, individuals are being subjected to such degrading and dehumanizing treatment solely because of their disability. The shackling of individuals perpetuates their marginalization, robs them of their dignity, and restricts their ability to actively participate in society.
We must recognize that individuals with psychosocial disabilities have the same rights as any other human being. They deserve to live with freedom, respect, and dignity. By banning shackling and investing in comprehensive mental health services, governments can take a significant step towards rectifying this injustice.
Advice: Advocacy and Action
As concerned citizens, we have a responsibility to raise awareness about the practice of shackling and call on our governments to take immediate action. Here are a few steps we can take:
1. Support Advocacy Groups
Organizations like Human Rights Watch are working tirelessly to eradicate the practice of shackling. Consider supporting these groups through donations, volunteering, or amplifying their message on social media to raise awareness and effect change.
2. Engage with Local and National Governments
Contact your local and national representatives to demand action against shackling. Attend town hall meetings, write letters, make phone calls, and participate in peaceful protests. Your voice can make a difference in advocating for policy changes.
3. Promote Mental Health Education and Awareness
Ignorance and stigma perpetuate the mistreatment of individuals with psychosocial disabilities. Support initiatives that educate communities about mental health and challenge stereotypes. Host events, share resources, and engage in conversations about the importance of inclusivity and support for everyone.
4. Influence Media Representation
Media has a significant impact on shaping public perception. Encourage accurate and compassionate representation of individuals with psychosocial disabilities in television, movies, and news stories. Advocate for the fair portrayal of their experiences and advocate for increased representation.
5. Foster Inclusion and Support Within Communities
Building inclusive communities starts at the individual level. Be mindful of the language you use, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and offer support to individuals who may be experiencing mental health challenges. By fostering an environment of empathy and understanding, we can create a society that embraces diversity and provides support for all.
The eradication of shackling and the promotion of mental health rights require the concerted efforts of individuals, organizations, and governments. By working together, we can break the chains of injustice and create a world that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their disability.
<< photo by Tima Miroshnichenko >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.