The Intersection of Psychology and Human Rights

                   This post is a tribute to all victims that suffered injustice and have had their human rights violated, to all human rights defenders who help to bring justice and truth for anyone looking for them, and to all victims that are fighting now for truth, justice and dignity. We all should participate in this fight because it is very important to fight against injustice. Without justice the violations can spread because the perpetrators feel they can do more and more and then we'd are all surviving in this nightmare called dystopia that would become an evil system difficult to combat. Therefore, help fighting human rights violations and injustice, when many abuses have systematically been done for so long time, the justice is even more important.  Do not think you are unreachable. We all must record any violation of human rights happening now. The systematic violations, the impunity, the daily bullying on TV, the indirectly threats about the creation of lies exist to do the victims give up to fight for justice, democracy and political rights. Besides, the violations, the systematic abuses, the daily humiliation and decades of impunity can have a dehumanizing effect in the population, do not let this happens, the solidarity and empathy are the essence of all human being.    This post is a summary of two articles. The first with the incomplete title above was published in 2024 at https://www.bps.org.uk/blog/intersection-psychology-and-human-rights-why-both-matter-more-ever. The second was published by the A.I. from Google.

                       Psychology, a field dedicated to understanding and improving the human condition, plays a vital role in advancing human rights by supporting mental health, combating discrimination, and advocating for marginalised communities. At its core, human rights are about protecting human dignity, wellbeing and freedom, issues that are deeply connected to psychological health and wellbeing. Psychology has evolved to not only recognise but also actively address the profound impact of human rights violations on mental health. Traumas caused by violence, persecution and discrimination leave lasting psychological scars, influencing people's semse of identity, self-worth, dignity and security. When human rights are compromised, mental health starts to deteriorate. Studies show that individuals who face oppression, persecution, or discrimination experience significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. Consider the enduring trauma experienced by survivors of abuse and discrimination. The concept of trauma-informed care, widely adopted in psychology and healthcare, underscores the importance of understanding how trauma affects people's lives and behaviour. Psychology's emphasis on trauma-informed care aligns closely with human rights principles. It prioritises dignity, compassion and a person-centred approach, which acknowledges that everyone has a right to safety, understanding and compassionate care. Mental health support should not be a privilege, but a right available to all. Psychologists around the world are increasingly advocating for policies that make mental health services more accessible, affordable and culturally informed. By working with policymakers, providing expert testimony and conducting research that sheds light on human rights abuses. In some cases, psychologists speak out against practices that perpetuate injustice or harm, aligning with human rights advocates to address the structural factors that create and sustain inequality. While psychology often focuses on healing and recovery, it also emphasises resilience and empowerment, especially when facing adversity. Community psychology, a field closely aligned with human rights, focuses on empowering communities to address issues that affect their members' wellbeing. They often work with grassroots organisations and local leaders to address challenges such as discrimination and injustice, helping individuals advocate for their rights and foster sustainable change. The intersection of psychology and human rights reflects a shared vision: A world where every person can live with dignity, free from fear and oppression, and with access to the support they need to thrive. It's worth reflecting on the ways psychology can continue to support human rights through healing, empowerment and advocacy. In a world where inequality and injustice remain persistent. Commitment to understanding and supporting human needs makes it an essential ally in the fight for human rights.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The intersection of psychology and human rights lies in psychology's role in supporting, advocating for, and understanding human rights, which includes addressing the psychological harm of violations, promoting well-being, and using scientific methods to support legal and policy efforts. Psychology provides the knowledge to understand the devastating effects of oppression, discrimination, and trauma, while human rights frameworks offer the principles and ethical guidelines for psychologists to act on. This intersection is evident in clinical practice with survivors of abuse, in research to document rights violations, and in advocating for policy changes to promote dignity and justice. How psychology supports human rights: 1) Healing and empowerment: Psychologists provide therapy and support to survivors of human rights violations, such as torture and sexual violence, focusing on healing trauma and empowering individuals to have a voice.  2) Evidence and advocacy: Psychologists can use their methodological skills to document human rights violations and provide expert evidence for legal proceedings, such as asylum claims. They can also provide support through amicus briefs on important legal cases. 3) Promoting well-being: Psychology contributes to understanding and promoting psychological, social, and economic well-being, which are integral to human rights. This includes advocating for equal access to mental and physical healthcare. 4) Understanding systemic issues:     Psychology helps explain the psychological roots of discrimination and prejudice, which can be used to develop more effective interventios. 5) Ethical framework: Psychology has an ethical code that requires psychologists to act in ways that protect and promote human rights regardless of their specific field.