"Guardians of Dignity and Justice: The Expanding Role of Mental Health Nursing in Human Rights Advocacy"

Abstract:  Mental health nursing occupies a unique and influential position at the intersection of clinical care, ethical responsibility, and social justice. Individuals with mental illness continue to face widespread human rights violations, including stigma, discrimination, coercive treatment practices, neglect, and exclusion from decision-making processes. Mental health nurses, as frontline healthcare providers and patient advocates, are strategically placed to identify, prevent, and address these violations while promoting dignity, autonomy, and equity. This review article explores the evolving role of mental health nursing in human rights advocacy, examining foundational human rights principles, historical and contemporary challenges in mental health care, international legal frameworks, ethical obligations, and evidence-based nursing strategies that promote rights-based practice. The article further discusses barriers to effective advocacy, educational and policy implications, and future directions for strengthening the role of mental health nurses as champions of human rights. By integrating clinical competence with ethical vigilance and advocacy skills, mental health nurses can significantly contribute to transforming mental health systems toward more humane, inclusive, and rights-respecting care.