Protection from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

A 19 year old women with cerebral palsy was left housebound and alone while the Government was acting particularly slowly in responding to her request for disability services.  Her advocate noticed that her mental state was deteriorating as a result and wrote to the relevent Government department identifying Charter rights that were not protected and promoted by the Government - the women's right not to be treated in a cruel, inhuman or degrading way and her right to privacy.  The woman's advocate noted that a person's private life is affected when they are unable to participate in the community or access social, cultural and recreational activities.

Soon after the advocates letter, the young woman was deemed eligible for support services and placed on the waiting list for case management.

For more information visit the Human Rights Law Resource Centre, Case Studies: How a Human Rights Act can Promote Dignity and Address Disadvantage