Advocacy fundamental to protecting the human rights of those who lack capacity
25 August 2010
Disability Action’s Centre on Human Rights welcomed advocates for people with disabilities to a seminar today, to discuss the impact of the Mental Capacity Law Reform on the role of an advocate.
The seminar coincided with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’s (DHSSPS) consultation on the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) of its proposals for the new Mental Capacity (Health, Welfare and Finance) Bill.
The new Bill will provide for the regulation of situations where someone lacks the capacity to make decisions in a range of areas of life; including healthcare, welfare and financial decisions. The DHSSPS has proposed a number of safeguards to protect the rights of the individual including the right to an independent advocate.
Speaking at the seminar, Dr Colin Harper, Centre on Human Rights for People with Disabilities said:
“The reform of mental capacity legislation in Northern Ireland is a major opportunity to protect the human rights and dignity of those with a learning or mental health disability and those unable to make significant decisions for themselves. Advocates will play a crucial role in safeguarding the human rights of individuals who lack capacity, ensuring their past and present views are considered and supporting them and their families through the complicated process of an intervention.”
“The DHSSPS’s consultation on the EQIA on Mental Capacity (Health, Welfare and Finance) Bill will run until 31 October 2010. It is an important opportunity to influence proposals for the Mental Capacity Law Reform before the Minister and the Executive make their final decision in the Autumn.”
For further information on the DHSSPS’s consultation, click here.
