Human Rights and the Failure of Policy to Deliver: Women with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Needs

Human rights figure largely in both rhetoric and practice, and government policy seeks to value and enhance individual equality and quality of life. This paper draws on recent work, some funded by the Judith Trust, to illustrate gaps in the achievement of these ideals. The proposed new single body, a Commission on Equality and Human Rights (CEHR), may offer an improved framework for implementation of policy goals and more fulfilled lives. The Judith Trust aims to improve the lives of people with both learning disabilities and mental health needs.