Mental Health Should Not Be Neglected – NHRC

Tony Ojukwu,  the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has said that mental health is a human right which should not be  ignored

Ojukwu said this at a dialogue on mental health organised by the NHRC for the members of its staff.

“The right to health encompasses all components of health,  including mental and therefore within the commission’s mandate to promote and protect,” he said.

Ojukwu, who was represented by Benedict Agu,  his special assistant, said attention is not given to mental health as physical health.

“In acknowledgement of the essence of mental health,  the commission has convened this dialogue for staff in joining the world to mark the 2022 World Mental Day which has the theme ‘Make Mental Health and Wellbeing a Priority,” he said.

Ojukwu said the commission is looking forward to improving measures to ensure that members of staff have relevant information and services on mental health, adding that this would help them meet their mental health needs especially as they are often exposed to complaints that might traumatise them.

“It is also hoped that this dialogue will equip them with useful information and stills in handling complainants who are traumatised as a result of their experiences.

“Such as defilement example, sexual abuse of minors,  rape,  domestic violence,  sexual or family abandonment,  torture,  extra-judicial killing among others.

“NHRC under my watch has continued to take proactive steps in ensuring that both complainants and staff maintain emotional balance.

“Particularly, those in departments and units where complaints are received and treated,” he said.