The impact of mental health challenges on the enjoyment of human rights by young people

In response to the call for inputs launched by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for the preparation of a study on the impact of mental health challenges on the enjoyment of human rights by young people, in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 57/30, IIMA and VIDES contributed with two complementary submissions. One contribution was prepared by the IIMA-VIDES Human Rights Office based on the results of a global online survey conducted within its youth network: a survey that gathered 1,778 responses from participants across more than 46 countries, including adolescents (14 – 17 years old), youth (18-25 years old), young adults (26-35 years old), and educators (over 35 years old) working with young people. The second contribution was developed directly by a group of 30 young people, aged 12-22, involved in the VIDES Mobile Education Program in the Philippines.
The aim of both submissions is to ensure that the voices and experiences of young people themselves can meaningfully contribute to the OHCHR study and highlight the crucial links between mental health and the effective enjoyment of human rights.

Across both contributions, young people identified several key factors affecting their mental health and their ability to fully enjoy their rights. Stigma and cultural barriers remain among the most significant challenges. In many communities, mental health issues are still considered taboo, and young people fear being judged, excluded, or misunderstood if they speak openly about their struggles, forcing many to deal with mental health difficulties in silence.
Another major challenge highlighted in both contributions is the lack of accessible and youth-friendly mental health services. Respondents pointed to limited infrastructure, the concentration of services in urban areas, and shortages of trained professionals,  which leave many young people, particularly those living in rural or marginalized communities, without adequate support. Youth from the Philippines emphasized that financial and geographic barriers, including the cost of treatment and distance from facilities, often prevent young people from accessing the assistance they need. 

Both contributions also underline the broader social factors that shape youth mental health. Academic pressure, social media influence, bullying, and cyberbullying are frequently mentioned as sources of anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem.  At the same time, young people stressed that mental health cannot be separated from structural conditions such as poverty, unstable family environments, discrimination, or exposure to violence and war.
These challenges have a direct impact on young people’s lives and on their ability to enjoy fundamental rights, including the rights to education, participation, health, and a dignified standard of living. Mental health difficulties can affect concentration, motivation, relationships, and overall well-being, limiting young people’s opportunities and future prospects. 

At the same time, the contributions recognize that governments have taken steps to address youth mental health, including legislation, awareness campaigns, and school-based programs. However, important gaps remain, particularly in ensuring equal access to services and in addressing the needs of marginalized youth.

Ultimately, both submissions reaffirm a central message: protecting young people’s mental health is essential to protecting their human rights. When young people have access to the support and resources they need, they are better able to study, participate in society, and contribute positively to their communities.

We look forward to the Study to be presented at the UN Human Rights Council in September-October 2026!