Page 126 - Human Rights

Faculty of Nursing
Adult care Nursing Department

Apart from playing a role in protecting children from abuse, health professionals have a vital role

in ensuring the health and well-being of the child.

“While only States are parties to the Covenant [on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights] and thus

ultimately accountable for compliance with it, all members of society – individuals, including
health professionals, families, local communities, intergovernmental and non-governmental

organizations, civil society organizations, as well as the private business sector – have

responsibilities regarding the realization of the right to health.

States parties should therefore provide an environment which facilitates the discharge of these
responsibilities.”

4.3.2 People with mental or physical disabilities

Institutionalized people with mental illnesses, learning difficulties/disabilities or physical

disabilities face higher than average risks of physical and sexual abuse.

Those living in a domestic setting also are at risk of violence from careers or family members.

In 2001, Amnesty International reported that mentally disabled women in Bulgaria being held at
a state institution in the village of Sana DiNovo were being subjected to conditions that amounted

to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

Some inmates were being held in cages because the staff claimed that “they had misbehaved”.

Independent experts quoted by Amnesty International described conditions in such institutions as
constituting “a slow death”.

The institution was subsequently closed down by the government after international protest.

115 Academic Year 2025/2026