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This is excellent news. A win for human rights and the rule of law! ⚖️ In 2023 the Supreme Court ruled that Rwanda was an unsafe country for refugee removal, meaning the government plan to deal with asylum claims offshore was unlawful. 👎 In an effort to abuse parliamentary supremacy, the government then began a long campaign of attempting to overrule this by way of The Safety of Rwanda Act. The Act would deem Rwanda, as the title suggests, to be a safe country. 😳 Hopefully, the scrapping of this Act brings a permanent end to this Conservative mission to bolster the executive’s power alongside their other plans (eg: withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights, ECHR). 📜 This Labour government, and those following it, must uphold the rule of law. They must respect the separation of powers, recognising that supremacy does not mean overruling democracy. The abuse of our constitution has to end with Rishi Sunak’s Conservative party. 🏁

Great news from Kenya. We applaud Kenya for taking a monumental step forward in mental health reform by decriminalizing suicide attempts. This progressive decision acknowledges that mental health challenges require care and compassion—not punishment. For too long, individuals facing mental health crises have been met with stigma and legal repercussions rather than the support they desperately need. By removing this outdated law, Kenya sends a powerful message: mental health is a priority, and everyone deserves help, not condemnation. As mental health advocates, we recognize this as a victory for human rights and a call to action for other countries in Africa still holding onto punitive measures for suicide attempts. It’s time to embrace a health-centered approach, provide accessible care, and foster environments where people feel safe to seek help. Let this be a turning point for the continent. Together, we can create a future where mental wellness is valued, and every life is supported. European Alliance Against Depression Africa CDC Ministry of Health - The Gambia UNICEF Gambia Dr Sandersan Onie #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #HumanRights #Kenya #Africa#

Compassion, not punishment! Suicide is a public health issue, not a criminal offence! Last week's decriminalization of suicide is a win to the fight for the right to human dignity, Kenya has been among the countries that still retained colonial laws criminalizing mental health. Suicides is a major global public health concern that is the leading cause of death among adolescents and youth. What does decriminalization mean to the community? Decriminalization will promote health seeking behavior of both the survivor and their families by reducing stigma, shame, and guilt associated with surviving suicidal attempts. We would like to take this time to share some of the ways you could support a person who has suicidal thoughts. 1. Remove the means - any dangerous tools that can facilitate suicide should be kept away from the person. 2. Negotiate for safety 3. Link- Link the person to the nearest mental health center As we mark a new dawn to mental healthcare access in Kenya, we encourage key stakeholders to take charge and review health policies by adopting a more human centered approach to health and social justice issues. #CommunityVoices #SautiZetu #Listen2Heal

Did you know that #Suicide survivors in some countries get arrested and find themselves in a police cell instead of a #therapy room? Let me narrow this down to #Kenya. For a long time, individuals struggling with #mentalhealth who attempted #suicide were treated as criminals. They were subjected to arrest instead of being offered the compassionate care they needed. I am not sure yet how this was to help them, but what I do know is that the criminalization reinforced more stigma, fear, and isolation for those already in deep distress. Fortunately, a significant step forward has been made and Section 226 of the Penal Code has been declared unconstitutional, acknowledging that those facing such moments need support, not punishment. This legal change marks a crucial turning point in Kenya’s mental health landscape. It opens doors to increased #awareness, #advocacy, and improved mental health services by shifting the focus from punishment to healing. While everyone in mental health field is celebrating this victory, there is still much work ahead in building a society that prioritizes mental well-being, ensuring accessible therapy, education, and resources for all. I am happy. I am proud. If you've ever found yourself in a cell instead of a therapy room, Uniformed persons instead of a therapist. My sincerest apologies. No one deserves that. It's a new dawn, So here's to promoting a nation that offers #hope, #empathy, and #dignity to those battling with #mentalhealth issues. #suicide #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #kenya

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pressing issue in Botswana, with 67% of women experiencing it in their lifetime. To combat this, Rekhumo Mental Health Consultancy emphasizes the importance of support and understanding for both survivors and those trying to help them. Tips for Supporting Survivors 🍃 Listen Without Judgment: Offer a safe space for survivors to share their experiences. Listening patiently can help them express their needs without fear of judgment. 🍃 Believe and Validate: Affirm their feelings and experiences. Phrases like “This is not your fault” can provide immense comfort. 🍃 Encourage a Support Network: Help them connect with trusted friends and family who can offer additional support. 🍃 Create a Safety Plan: Collaborate on a plan that includes safe places to go and emergency contacts. 🍃 Stay Patient and Available: Consistent communication is key. Let them know you’re there for them at their own pace. Tips for Victims 🍃 Know You’re Not Alone: Many have faced similar situations; reaching out for help is a brave step. 🍃 Seek Professional Support: Access counseling services or hotlines that specialize in GBV. 🍃 Document Incidents: Keep records of any abusive behavior, which may be helpful if you decide to report it. 🍃 Educate Yourself on Rights: Understand your legal rights and available resources in your community. Together We Can Make a Difference by fostering an environment of support and understanding, we can help break the cycle of GBV in Botswana. Let’s stand together to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals. #EndGBV #SupportSurvivors #MentalHealthAwareness #Rekhumo

Historic Win for Mental Health Progress in Kenya 🇰🇪 Kenya’s High Court has made a pivotal decision, ruling that attempted suicide is no longer a crime. Justice Lawrence Mugambi declared Section 226 of the Penal Code unconstitutional, stating that criminalizing suicide attempts violates fundamental rights such as: Equality and freedom from discrimination (Article 27) Human dignity (Article 28) The right to health (Article 43) This ruling marks a significant step toward dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health in Kenya. It sends a powerful message: mental health struggles require empathy and solutions—not punishment. Before this decision, Kenya was one of nine African nations where suicide attempts were criminalized. Today, we pave the way for a more compassionate future, addressing mental health challenges with understanding and care. Let us take this opportunity to amplify mental health awareness and advocate for systems that support, rather than penalize, those in need. Together, we can build a society where mental health is a priority. 💡 How can we, as individuals and communities, further support mental health initiatives in Kenya? Let’s discuss." #MentalHealthProgress #BreakingStigma #KenyaMentalHealth #HumanRights #MentalHealthAwareness #DignityForAll #EndStigmaNow #HopeForKenya #MentalWellnessForAll

Twenty-three child protection and operations staff from local NGOs, the state government and Save the Children Mali participated in an MHPSS and Stress Management training at the end of November in #Segou, #Mali. Read more about the training here: https://lnkd.in/eANVYEfP Interested in Stress Management? Why not have a look at these free resources available on #Kaya: Stress Management for everyone - https://lnkd.in/eDDee7nu Stress Awareness - https://lnkd.in/eZkeTZeQ #ProfessionalDevelopment #Humanitarian #StressManagement #MentalHealth #HLACommunity

📍 Lebanon: The violence and destruction people are witnessing due to the war between Hezbollah and Israel can have lasting impacts on psychological and emotional well-being, especially for children. MSF teams in Lebanon are providing primary and mental health care to displaced people, including psychological first aid and psychoeducation through our mobile medical units across the country. We have also launched a helpline through which people can receive remote assistance from clinical psychologists who help manage trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety and grief. MORE on our response: https://lnkd.in/eM5jqJJn

#Suicide rates continue to rise with the increasing decline of public #mental health all over the world, which makes mental health and suicide a #public health #emergency. But suicide remains a #criminal offense in many countries including #Nigeria, where people caught attempting to take their own lives are regarded as criminals rather than those in need of #medical and #psychosocial intervention and support. Join us on Thursday 10th October 2024 at the first National Suicide Prevention Conference at the Nicon Luxury Hotel Abuja to discuss, analyze, and elaborate on the need to decriminalize suicide in Nigeria. #joinus

Finally !! 🌟 A Pivotal Step Toward #MentalHealth Justice in Kenya 🌟 On January 9, 2025, the High Court of Kenya made a monumental decision by declaring the law criminalizing attempted suicide unconstitutional. Justice Mugambi emphasized that imprisoning individuals battling mental illness is inhumane and counterproductive. This ruling is more than just a legal change, it's a powerful statement of #destigmatization and a step towards #decolonizingthemind. By acknowledging that #mentalhealth challenges are not moral failings but medical and social issues, we are collectively moving towards a more inclusive and humane society. This ruling is a beacon of hope for a future where #vulnerability is met with #empathy and support. To everyone in the mental health advocacy space, this is a win for humanity. Let’s continue to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction. This is just the beginning of what can be achieved when we commit to mental health as a #fundamentalhumanright. Together, we can build a future where no one feels abandoned or punished for their struggles. #MentalHealthMatters #DecolonizeTheMind #Destigmatization #Kenya #KenyaMentalHealth #CompassionInAction