This is a potentially important publication by an expert group who have transformed a large-scale international review into a book. A powerful impetus for the review came from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The stated focus of the book is on how legislation can be used to advance the rights and entitlements that people with mental health problems have as citizens.
The chapters are relatively short – apart from two key chapters: ‘Principles and concepts’ and ‘Implementation and enforcement’ – and are written in a fluent and readable style. The way the book is designed means that the reader only needs to read the first half of the book, as the last three chapters comprise an exhaustive review of worldwide legal instruments and legislation, and internet resources. Throughout, examples of international policies and legislation are provided, from large and small, and high-income and low- and middle-income countries alike. Topics covered include work and the workplace, education, housing, social security, and legal capacity. Personally, I felt that the most important chapter was ‘Implementation and enforcement’ regarding legal reforms. Here, the authors discuss rising to the challenge of converting well-meaning rhetoric or legislation into concerted action and reality – the book notes that some countries have very good legislation which is inadequately implemented and is, in a sense, somewhat toothless in its everyday effect.
The authors note that although there are ‘formidable’ obstacles to social justice for people with mental health problems, the book was not intended to be a ‘sombre’ one. Indeed, it is written with optimism, passion and zeal, and is clearly serious about being a catalyst for change at high organisational levels. The book is important for anyone or any organisation looking for an in-depth and critical review of this subject matter. It provides a myriad suggestions on how to address and improve these deeply ingrained societal issues of stigma, discrimination and social injustice for people with mental health problems. Is this a book for everyday practising clinicians? Probably not, as it feels more like a book destined for academic libraries (as the price would suggest). Understandably though, given that it was deliberately written to be a practical and policy-oriented tool (which I think was achieved), it appears aimed at and more suited for national and governmental organisations, senior managers and policy makers. Because of its international remit, it has obvious potential for a worldwide readership but could well be a very useful text for postgraduates researching this area.
eLetters
No eLetters have been published for this article.