High-level event on "Mental Health Interventions…

High Level Event hosted by the Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, which aims to discuss successes in the field, highlighting key examples and outlining a way forward.

Conflict negatively affects people's mental health and well-being, social cohesion, interpersonal trust and faith in leaders and institutions. Failing to sufficiently acknowledge and address these psychosocial factors and dynamics undermines the effectiveness and sustainability of peacebuilding efforts. However, there remains a critical disconnect between mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) on the one hand and peacebuilding efforts on the other, both within the UN and between the UN and civil society.

The experience of an emergency can significantly impact the mental health and psychosocial well-being of a person. It can have immediate as well as long-term consequences for individuals, families and communities. The Inter-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Emergency Settings (IASC, 2007) were developed through an inclusive process, with input from UN agencies, NGOs and Universities. The Guidelines help to plan, establish and coordinate a set of minimum multi-sectoral responses to protect, support and improve people's mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in the midst of an emergency.