17. Most countries report that they have a mental health policy
(77%) and the proportion of group 1 and 3 countries having
mental health policies is higher compared to group 2
countries (83% each of group 1 and 3 compared to 70%
of group 2 countries). However, in relation to compliance
with international standards, the rates are comparable
across the three groups of countries (57%, 58% and 53%
respectively)1. Most countries report that they have mental
health legislation (73%), but only one third are fully
compliant with international human rights instruments.
However, the mental health laws in group 3 countries are
more likely to be compliant with international human right
standards (87% compared to 40% of group 1 countries).
No country is fully implementing its existing policy while
about 45% of countries are partially implementing the
relevant legislation.