HUMAN RIGHTS, SOCIAL PROTECTION, GENDER AND MENTAL HEALTH: CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES FOR THE REALIZATION OF HUMAN DIGNITY IN THE AMERICAS AND EUROPE
The social transformations that have taken place in recent decades reveal the need for interdisciplinary approaches capable of responding to the challenges related to mental health, social exclusion and the realization of human rights. Contemporary challenges related to mental health have been amplified by social, economic and cultural inequalities affecting millions of people across the Americas and Europe. Women, migrant populations, ethnic minorities, people subjected to processes of discrimination, and individuals in situations of social vulnerability face significant obstacles in accessing fundamental rights, social protection and mental health services. These inequalities directly affect psychological well-being, quality of life and the full exercise of citizenship, making it necessary to build interdisciplinary strategies aimed at promoting human dignity.
In this context, art emerges as an important instrument of expression, inclusion, social participation and subjective empowerment. More than an aesthetic manifestation, artistic experiences can constitute spaces of recognition, belonging and meaning-making, fostering processes of human development and mental health promotion. By enabling the expression of emotions, memories, identities, and individual and collective narratives, art contributes to strengthening social bonds and valuing cultural diversity.
This study proposes a theoretical and interdisciplinary reflection on the interfaces between art, mental health and human rights, analyzing how artistic and cultural practices can help reduce the psychosocial impacts produced by exclusion, prejudice and multiple forms of social vulnerability. The research draws on contributions from Human Rights, Psychology, Art Therapy, Education, Cultural Studies and the Social Sciences, seeking to understand the relevance of artistic experiences in promoting psychological well-being and social inclusion.
Findings from the international literature indicate that participation in artistic activities is associated with increased self-esteem, strengthened resilience, reduced social isolation, and the development of emotional and relational skills. Furthermore, inclusive cultural environments can foster intercultural dialogue, the appreciation of differences, and the recognition of historically marginalized groups.
From a human rights perspective, the right to mental health and to participation in cultural life are fundamental rights recognized by various international instruments. It is concluded that the integration of art, mental health and human rights represents a strategic field for formulating public policies and social actions committed to protecting human dignity, especially among populations exposed to contexts of vulnerability and exclusion.
The symposium will welcome studies addressing public social protection policies, gender-based violence, discrimination, social inclusion, citizenship, mental health, sexual and reproductive rights, work, education, culture, and mechanisms for promoting human dignity. The symposium seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among Law, Education, Art, Psychology, Social Sciences, Culture, Health and Gender Studies, encouraging critical reflection on the challenges and possibilities for building more inclusive, equitable societies committed to human rights in the Latin American context, in Portuguese and Spanish.
