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Ending the detention of “socially maladjusted” persons

Other author
Parliamentary Assembly
Session
2024 - May Standing Committee (Vilnius)

Summary

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has issued Recommendation 2275, advocating for the end of the detention of "socially maladjusted" individuals, a term historically linked to discrimination and stigma. The Assembly emphasizes that the right to liberty, as enshrined in Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, should be fully enjoyed by all, including those with mental impairments, substance use issues, or without fixed abodes. It calls for member States to eliminate discriminatory laws, develop community-based support services, and promote public awareness to combat stereotypes. The recommendation aligns with a global shift towards a human rights-based approach, urging the Council of Europe to lead in protecting the rights and dignity of these vulnerable groups.