Juris Doctor David Matas
On human organ harvesting and transplant abuses
Online
Punitive psychiatry and political abuses within the field of mental health are deeply concerning issues that have been prevalent in repressive and totalitarian regimes throughout history. Such abuses often involve misusing psychiatric diagnoses and treatments to control individuals, including those who dissent or live peacefully according to their own beliefs and identities. The victims of these abuses extend to not only the patients but also the professionals who may be compelled to comply with orders that harm their patients. These practices may target specific groups, including religious minorities, ethnic communities, or marginalized populations. Instead of only individuals advocating for human rights, these targeted collectives may simply be living their lives peacefully and seeking to express their identities without facing repressive measures.
An infamous example of punitive psychiatry is the historical medicalization of homosexuality, where same-sex attraction was classified as a mental disorder. This led to the pathologization of LGBTQ+ individuals and subjected them to involuntary psychiatric treatments, like conversion therapy, perpetuating discrimination and marginalization. Similarly, religious minorities and indigenous communities who challenged the mainstream or advocated for their rights were falsely diagnosed with "religious mania" or "delusions of grandeur." This served to stigmatize and marginalize them, leading to confinement in psychiatric facilities or re-education camps, branding their beliefs as "deviant" or "dangerous."
Apart from targeting homosexuality, religious minorities, and ethnic communities, even low-level dissent faces punitive psychiatric practices. Women who challenge traditional gender roles and strive for equality have historically been accused of mental instability or "hysteria," silencing their voices and marginalizing their efforts. Dissident groups, advocating for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, are also subjected to psychiatric labeling to suppress their opposition and dissent, discrediting their calls for social justice and cultural preservation.
The consequences of these abuses extend to extreme cases where psychiatric hospitals are employed as tools of political repression. Serving as de facto prisons, individuals are detained indefinitely without due process, subjected to abuse, and isolated from society, in clear violation of human rights. Such actions erode public trust in mental health institutions and jeopardize the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
To combat punitive psychiatry and political abuses, vigilance, monitoring, and accountability measures are crucial. Human rights organizations and mental health professionals play vital roles in advocating for ethical psychiatric care, challenging the misuse of psychiatry for repression. Raising awareness about these abuses is imperative to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, fostering societies that respect diversity, dissent, and the universal right to freedom of expression. Acknowledging and addressing these historical injustices will pave the way for a future where mental health care aligns with human rights principles, promoting empathy, compassion, and justice for all.
It is imperative to address the needs of both the victims and the mental health professionals who may find themselves forced to comply with harmful orders.
As a society, we have a duty to protect and support all those affected by punitive psychiatry and political abuses. Advocating for human rights, ensuring ethical practices within mental health care, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding are essential steps in addressing these deeply troubling issues. By standing against any form of abuse, providing resources and support for victims and professionals, we can work together to create a more just and compassionate environment that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals.
200+
Attendees
5
Days
15+
Talks
5+
Workshops
Confirmed speakers and topics
MindFreedom International
On safeguarding against abuses in mental healthcare
MindFreedom International is an international coalition of over one hundred grassroots groups and thousands of individual members from fourteen nations. Based in the United States, it was founded in 1990 to advocate against forced medication, medical restraints, and involuntary electroconvulsive therapy.
Yanxi Mou
On political abuses in the People Republic of China
Author of the report "Drugged and detailes: China's psychiatric prisons", published by the not-for profit human rights organization Safeguard Defenders which monitors disappearances in China.
Juris Doctor David Matas
On human organ transplants abuse Senior legal counsel of B'nai Brith Canada and leading member of the International Coalition To End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC). Dr. David has maintained a private practice in refugee, immigration, and human rights law since 1979, and has published various books and manuscripts.
Dr. Manuel Llorens
On political abuse in Venezuela
Professor of psychology at the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas. Psychologist, social activist. Author of the book Politically Reflective Psychotherapy.
Prof. Pter Winkler
On human rights in the Czech Republic
Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the leading Czech institution for research, implementation, education and clinical care on mental health. He also leads the WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Mental Health Research and Service Development (WHO CC), serves as a senior editor of the scientific journal Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health and is a board member of the non-profit organisation Human Rights in Mental Health-FGIP.
Chris Munt and Prof. Brian Littlechild
On violence in psychiatric contexts
Co-authors of the Springer book Violence in Mental Health Settings, chapter on lived experience. Chris is the leading star at Olivier Zabat's documentary "Arguments" on the hearing voices phenomenon. Brian Littlechild is professor of social work at the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
Kelechi Ubozoh and Rob Wipond
On political uses of psychiatric detentions in the U.S. and Canada Kelechi Ubozoh is a Nigerian-American psychiatric survivor and advocate with over a decade of experience in California's mental health system. Rob Wipond is a seasoned journalist specializing in psychiatry, civil rights, and social change, with multiple award nominations for his work. Their work serves as a critical commentary on psychiatric practices, elevating marginalized voices and questioning systemic norms.
Prof. Dainius Pūras
On the right to health and well-being
Professor of child psychiatry and public mental health at Vilnius University. Director of the Human Rights Monitoring Institute. Former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
Dr. Alejandra M. Gandolfi
On mental health in Riff societies
Specialist in Family and Community Medicine (SACyL). Co-director of the Observatory of Medical Anthropology of Madrid. PhD in Human Sciences: Geography, Anthropology and African and Asian Studies.
Drs. Peter Lehmann and Craig Newnes
On informal psychiatric human rights violations
Dr. Lehmann is author, social scientist, publisher of books such as Withdrawal from Prescribed Psychotropic Drugs, and an independent activist in humanistic anti-psychiatry. Dr. Newnes is an author, editor, musician, dad, grandfather and gardener, ex-Director of Psychological Therapies for Shropshire's Mental Health (NHS) Trust.
Al Galves
On human rights in mental health
Dr. Galves is current board member of Mindfreedom International, author, retired psychologist and long-time activist for human rights and humane alternatives in the mental healthcare.
Prof. Derek Summerfields
On the global mental health programme
Unnamed dissident
On lived experience of violence
Undisclosed speakers.
Prof. Murphy Halliburton
On transcultural psychiatry
Murphy Halliburton specializes in medical anthropology, anthropology of science, and the history and cultures of South Asia. He has conducted fieldwork on ayurvedic psychiatry, biomedical psychiatry, and religious healing practices in South India and on the effects of the World Trade Organization's intellectual property regime (TRIPS) on people's access to medications in India and countries that consume Indian-manufactured pharmaceuticals.
Prof. Timothy Jones
On queer rights and support
Timothy Jones is a historian of gender, sexuality and religion in the modern West. He is the author of Sexual Politics in the Church of England, 1857-1957 (2013) and lead author of Preventing Harm, Promoting Justice: Responding to LGBT Conversion Therapy in Australia (2018). He teaches at La Trobe University, and is Vice President of the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives.
Annonymous experts
On gender violence and mental healthConference programme
Download the programme in PDF and/or PNG. Link to connect to the sessions, same for all days: https://meet.google.com/wmn-qbcf-spuOn China and Latin America
Prof. Manuel Llorens
On ongoing political abuses in Venezuela
Online
Yanxi Mou
on ongoing political abuses in the People's Republic of China
Online
Rodrigo Fredes
On the mad pride movement in LATAM
Online
On North America and Europe
Prof. Murphy Halliburton
On medication and normlcay
Online
Prof. Petr Winkler
On human rights in the Czech Republic mental healthcare
Online
Al Galves
Online
Kelechi Ubozoh and Rob Wipond
On political uses of psychiatric detentions in the U.S. and Canada
Online
Mind Freedom International
On the Shield support network
Online
On global mental health
Prof. Dainius Pūras
On the right to health and well-being
Online
Prof. Derek Summerfields
On the global mental health programme
Online
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
Online
Prof. Brian Littlechild and Chris Munt
On violence in mental healthcare
Online
Mind Freedom International
On the Shield support network
Online
On Africa and Europe
Workshop - forum on Catalonia new national mental health policies framework
On
Hybrid (Barcelona/online)
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
Online
Dr. Alejandra M. Gandolfi
On Riff societies and mental health
Online
Drs. Peter Lehmann and Craig Newnes
On informal psychiatric human rights violations
Online
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
Online
On LGBT+ and gender abuses
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
Online
Professor Hel Spandler
On LGBT+, mad pride in UK and restorative justice
Online
Orgullo Loco Madrid
On mad pride in Spain
Online
Professor Timothy Jones
On the rights and support of LGBT+
Online
Researchers, practitioners, and individuals with lived experience of political abuse of psychiatry are invited to apply as speakers or participants for the hybrid event on "Political Abuse of Psychiatry." This event, which aims to raise awareness and foster dialogue, will address the historical context, contemporary challenges, and potential solutions surrounding the distressing phenomenon of political abuse of psychiatry. Contributions from diverse backgrounds and perspectives are sought, as the unique voices of applicants will play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and understanding in this critical problem. Applications for speakers or participants can be submitted to [email protected], offering an opportunity to humanize the issue and promote the protection of mental health services from political manipulation, ultimately contributing to a future where psychiatry serves as a healing profession, free from political abuse.
With gratitude for all cooperation and coordinated efforts:
