Human Rights Obligations and Budgeting for Mental Health in Northern Ireland

Abstract

This case study identifies the key human rights obligations (based on the International covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, ICESCR) that are relevant to any analysis of funding for mental health services as an aspect of the realization of the right to health. It discusses these standards in the context of mental health provision in Northern Ireland. It presents the context for the funding of mental health services in Northern Ireland. As part of its presentation of the relevant ICESCR obligations, it identifies a few key areas of concern with regards to the human rights compatibility of funding for mental health services in Northern Ireland.