Our Position

Access to mental healthcare is protected under international human rights frameworks, yet millions worldwide are denied this basic right through underfunding, stigma, and systemic neglect. Hope House of Ceylon stands firmly on the principle that every person — regardless of nationality, gender, economic status, or cultural background — deserves access to quality mental health support.

Advocacy Areas

• Reducing Waitlists — Advocating for adequate funding and systemic reform to address the unacceptable waiting times for mental healthcare in both the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.
• Women's Reproductive Rights — Through our Forgotten Wings documentary project, we shed light on illegal abortion and its devastating impact on women's mental health across South Asia.
• Destigmatisation — Working to dismantle the cultural stigma that prevents people from seeking help, particularly within South Asian communities where mental illness is often hidden or denied.
• Recognition of Alternative Therapies — Advocating for evidence-informed traditional healing practices, including Ayurvedic and Buddhist approaches, to be recognised alongside Western therapeutic models.

International Legal Frameworks

Our advocacy is grounded in established international human rights instruments:

• ICESCR — The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognises the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health (Article 12).
• CRPD — The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ensures equal access to healthcare and community-based support for people with psychosocial disabilities.
• CEDAW — The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women protects women's right to health services, including reproductive and mental health support.