This rapid review examines what works to ensure people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities can enjoy their human rights and participate at all levels of decision-making. It summarises the key issues and international commitments in both areas and gives examples of effective interventions.

Its overview notes widespread human rights abuses of people with psychosocial disabilities both within and outside institutions, and that exclusion from development opportunities is common; that the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is key to recognising human rights for people with psychosocial disabilities, including the right to health; and that participation is a core human rights principle and a requisite of a human rights-based approach. Effective approaches include integrating mental health into laws and policies on health, social welfare, employment, education and criminal justice; developing national mental health policy and action plans; campaigns to tackle stigma that link mental distress with living conditions; user involvement in service monitoring, planning and research; and support for mental health advocacy groups. The review closes by setting out the risks and enablers for inclusion in development policy and programming.