WHO launch of MiNDbank online platform

World Health Organization officially launched the MiNDbank online platform on the 10th December, Human Rights Day 2013. WHO MiNDbank is a product of the QualityRights Project, WHO’s flagship campaign to improve care and end human rights violations against people with mental and psychosocial disabilities.

WHO MiNDbank brings together key policies, strategies, laws and service standards for mental health, substance abuse, general health, disability, human rights and development. The platform aims to facilitate debate, dialogue, advocacy and research in order to promote national reform in these areas, in line with international human rights and best practice standards.

WHO MiNDbank is an online platform bringing together key resources related to mental health, substance use, disability, general health, human rights and development. It provides easy access to a range of national level and international resources from across the globe including:

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  National mental health policies, strategies and laws
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  National substance abuse policies, strategies and laws
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  National general health policies, strategies and laws
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  National disability related policies, strategies and laws
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  National constitutions, human rights and child rights laws
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  National poverty reduction and development strategies
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  Health and mental health service standards
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  International and regional human rights conventions and treaties
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  CRPD Member States reports, Shadow Reports and Concluding Observations
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  UN Special Rapporteurs reports
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  Key World Health Organization resources
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  UN and WHO resolutions

This online platform is the only single point globally to access all comprehensive information related to mental health, substance abuse, disability, general health, human rights and development. It will:

• Allow the sharing of key national resources and best practices across countries
• Bring together the key areas of mental health, substance abuse, disability, physical health and human rights to promote a holistic approach
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  Reduce fragmentation and duplication of information and efforts across and within countries
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  Facilitate advocacy
• Promote research

MiNDbank currently includes nearly 4000 documents and resources for over 160 countries.

To access WHO MiNDbank please go to: www.who.int/mental_health/mindbank