The Public Defender of Georgia echoes the recently increased cases of derogatory and stigmatizing phrases used towards persons with mental health issues, including by political officials.

Unfortunately, statements promoting stereotypes against people with mental health problems have increased in various formats, which violates the fundamental principles of protecting human dignity and incite discrimination.

Stereotyped attitudes and stigma towards people with mental health problems are still strong in the country. These persons are most often the target of unequal treatment, while the stereotypical attitude shown by public figures hinders all attempts to integrate them into society.

The Public Defender once again calls on politicians and public figures, whose direct duty is to reduce the existing stigma and promote the protection of the rights of people with mental health problems, not to allow people to be placed in unequal conditions on the grounds of mental health and to refrain from statements that reinforce stigma.