Jana Mare¿kov¿¿

Human Rights of Persons with Mental Disabilities: International and Czech Perspectives Jana Mare¿kov¿¿

Human rights of people with mental disabilities havebecome a subject of interest of international lawonly very recently. Despite intensive development inthe last years, the implementation of these rightsoften remains unsatisfactory due to thecharacteristic vulnerability of persons with mentaldisabilities, especially when they are deprived ofliberty. This book examines the development andcontemporary approach of international human rightslaw towards persons with disabilities in the light oftheoretical models of disability. It continues withevaluating the compatibility of Czech law andpractice concerning the right to liberty of mentallyill persons with the principles established by theEuropean Court of Human Rights. Conclusions drawnfrom these two parts suggest how the above mentionedprinciples as well as relevant Czech law and practicemay be improved in order to advance the human rightsof persons with mental disabilities. This analysis isa useful resource for professionals and policy makersin the fields of law, social work and psychiatry, aswell as for persons with mental disabilities themselves.