Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A Human Right to the Freedom of Mind - Matt Bywater
-
Disclaimer: This session was delivered for the 2023 ICSA Conference. The speaker of this session does not speak on behalf of ICSA as an organization.
-
Abstract: Freedom of mind is a concept that remains relatively unknown in popular discourse, especially when compared to well-known human rights principles like freedom of speech and freedom of belief. The need to protect freedom of mind challenges the traditional notion that individuals are rational beings fully responsible for their actions. While national legal systems have traditionally overlooked issues of psychological coercion, freedom of mind is not explicitly mentioned in international human rights documents.
In today's world, there is an urgent need for stronger and more explicit protection of the mind, both at national and international levels. Additionally, it is crucial to foster a common understanding of what freedom of mind entails, as individuals need to be aware of their rights in order to claim them effectively.
This presentation aims to provide a preliminary definition of the human right to freedom of mind and explore the existing elements of freedom of mind within international human rights documents. It also discusses strategies to establish a firmer legal foundation for freedom of mind in international law, including potential obstacles that may arise during this process. One noteworthy development in this area is the Declaration of the Freedom of Mind issued by the World Mental Health Coalition, which represents the first written declaration specifically articulating freedom of mind. This declaration opens up exciting possibilities for promoting freedom of mind as a human right, including the prospect of submitting a Declaration of Freedom of Mind to the United Nations.
The International Cultic Studies Association's Annual International Conference provides an excellent platform for gathering ideas and insights on how to advance the recognition of freedom of mind as a fundamental human right.
A Human Right to the Freedom of Mind - Matt Bywater
-
Disclaimer: This session was delivered for the 2023 ICSA Conference. The speaker of this session does not speak on behalf of ICSA as an organization.
-
Abstract: Freedom of mind is a concept that remains relatively unknown in popular discourse, especially when compared to well-known human rights principles like freedom of speech and freedom of belief. The need to protect freedom of mind challenges the traditional notion that individuals are rational beings fully responsible for their actions. While national legal systems have traditionally overlooked issues of psychological coercion, freedom of mind is not explicitly mentioned in international human rights documents.
In today's world, there is an urgent need for stronger and more explicit protection of the mind, both at national and international levels. Additionally, it is crucial to foster a common understanding of what freedom of mind entails, as individuals need to be aware of their rights in order to claim them effectively.
This presentation aims to provide a preliminary definition of the human right to freedom of mind and explore the existing elements of freedom of mind within international human rights documents. It also discusses strategies to establish a firmer legal foundation for freedom of mind in international law, including potential obstacles that may arise during this process. One noteworthy development in this area is the Declaration of the Freedom of Mind issued by the World Mental Health Coalition, which represents the first written declaration specifically articulating freedom of mind. This declaration opens up exciting possibilities for promoting freedom of mind as a human right, including the prospect of submitting a Declaration of Freedom of Mind to the United Nations.
The International Cultic Studies Association's Annual International Conference provides an excellent platform for gathering ideas and insights on how to advance the recognition of freedom of mind as a fundamental human right.
