On 30 March 2026, the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted a landmark resolution, A/HRC/RES/61/18, recognising mental health as an integral part of the right to health.
EFPA, together with the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Swiss Federation of Psychologists (FSP), working under their joint framework agreement for advocacy at UN Geneva, contributed to strengthening the sections of the resolution addressing mental health as an integral part of the right to health; combating discrimination and stigma; promoting suicide prevention; ensuring the meaningful participation of people with lived experience and advancing person-centered, recovery-oriented policies.
EFPA placed particular emphasis on:
- Mental health in emergencies: Addressing psychosocial needs in conflicts, disasters, and crises (in line with EFPA contribution to EU consultation on EU Health Crisis Preparedness)
- Equitable access & digital inclusion: Promoting peer support, digital tools, and attention to children and youth in digital environments (in line with EFPA principles to underpin societal engagement with advancing technology; EFPA contribution to the European Commission’s Action Plan against cyberbullying and EFPA contribution to the European Commission Call for evidence for the Digital Services Act guidelines to enforce the protection of minors online
- Community-, evidence- and human rights-based services: Promoting a paradigm shift in mental health through support that addresses social determinants of health, prioritises recovery and social inclusion, and fosters multisectoral collaboration (in line with EFPA contribution to EC public consultation to strengthen the European Child Guarantee)
- Training and professional standards: Promoting capacity-building, education, and ethical guidance for public and private mental health services (in line with the European Standard in Psychology, EuroPsy)
- Child and youth development: Emphasising early intervention and holistic strategies to prevent long-term consequences (in line with EFPA Statement on the Council of the EU Conclusions on Children’s Mental Health
The adoption of this resolution marks a major step forward in recognising mental health as a human rights issue globally, reflecting the importance of inclusive, effective, and equitable mental health policies.