Dignity is considered the basis of human existence, and legislation seeks to ensure this for all people. This principle of equality requires that neither the state, nor society should discriminate between fellow human beings.
The prohibition of discrimination therefore reassures the principle of equality legal equality and lists disability
among the characteristics to be protected. Consequently, special attention must be paid to the protection of
the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities in all areas of life.
Following the promulgation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the related Optional Protocol the harmonization of Hungarian regulations began based on the new definition of disability.
The new definition includes persons living with mental impairment. We will discuss the purpose and effect of
the legal instruments created and still being developed as a result of the Convention, as well as the additional
necessary measures to create equal opportunities for persons with mental disabilities within health care, focusing specially on psychiatric care.