Impact of mental health challenges on the enjoyment of human rights by young people
Posted on February 20, 2026
Submission by The Concerned for Working Children, India to The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), February 2026
Mental health is not separate from rights — it shapes how young people experience education, safety, participation, dignity, and opportunity. When mental health challenges remain unaddressed, they directly affect a young person’s ability to learn, to express themselves, to feel protected, and to fully participate in society.
Recognising this critical intersection, The Concerned for Working Children has shared a comprehensive submission with the United Nations on the impact of mental health challenges on the enjoyment of human rights by young people. The submission draws from sustained grassroots engagement with children and adolescents, bringing forward field insights and children’s own perspectives into this important global conversation.
Through this engagement, we seek to strengthen recognition of mental health as central to the full realisation of young people’s human rights. Addressing mental health is essential to advancing equity, dignity, and meaningful participation for all young people.
To read the full submission, click here: Impact of mental health challenges on human rights by young people_CWC,India
