Model United Nations position paper

Committee: UN free and equal

Country: Switzerland

Delegate: Irlanda Franco Ruiz

Topic B: Ensuring Access to Mental Healthcare for the LGBTQ+ Community

Switzerland, a country dedicated to upholding rights and public health has

approached the World Health Organization to discuss the matter of "Ensuring
Access, to Mental Healthcare for the LGBTQ+ Community." The Swiss delegation
acknowledges the health challenges encountered by individuals in the LGBTQ+
community and emphasizes the significance of comprehensive and all
encompassing policies pertaining to mental healthcare.

Mental Health Disparities within the LGBTQ+ Community

Switzerland recognizes that members of the LGBTQ+ community face rates of health
concerns compared to the general population. Factors such as discrimination,
stigma and societal biases contribute to these disparities. It is of importance to
confront these challenges head on and guarantee mental healthcare services that
are culturally competent and supportive of diverse sexual orientations and gender
identities.

Switzerland advocates for the formulation and implementation of healthcare policies

specifically tailored towards addressing the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. These
policies should be inclusive in nature taking into account the stressors and obstacles
faced by individuals within this community. By incorporating cultural competence
training for healthcare professionals we can foster an environment that's attuned to
understanding experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
Training Healthcare Professionals

Switzerland underscores the significance of equipping healthcare professionals with

training in order to provide inclusive mental healthcare services. Training programs
should cover topics including LGBTQ+ competence recognizing intersectionality,
among different identities as well as understanding how discrimination impacts
mental health.

It is crucial to enhance the capabilities of health professionals so that they can

provide LGBTQ+ individuals with the supportive care they need.

Eliminating Discrimination in Healthcare Settings Switzerland condemns any form of

discrimination within healthcare settings, and we recognize the need to address bias
and prejudice that may deter LGBTQ+ individuals from seeking mental healthcare.
Anti-discrimination policies should be enforced rigorously, and awareness
campaigns should be conducted to promote a healthcare environment that is
welcoming, respectful, and free from discrimination.

Collaboration and Information Sharing, Switzerland acknowledges that mental health

is a global concern, and effective solutions require international collaboration. We
encourage member states to share best practices, research findings, and successful
strategies for ensuring access to mental healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community. By
learning from each other, we can collectively work towards creating more equitable
mental health systems.

Community Involvement and Empowerment, Switzerland recognizes the importance

of involving the LGBTQ+ community in the development and implementation of
mental healthcare policies. Community input ensures that policies are responsive to
the specific needs of diverse LGBTQ+ populations. Empowering the community
through education and outreach programs is integral to reducing stigma and
fostering a sense of agency in mental healthcare.

In conclusion, Switzerland emphasizes the urgent need to address mental health

disparities within the LGBTQ+ community. By developing inclusive policies, training
healthcare professionals, eliminating discrimination, and fostering international
collaboration, we can create a mental healthcare landscape that is accessible,
affirming, and responsive to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. Switzerland
stands committed to working with fellow member states to advance the mental
health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community globally.
SOURCES:

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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27865339/

American Psychological Association. (2019). The Impact of Discrimination on the

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). The Mental Health Needs of
LGBTQ+ People: A Call to Action for Public Health.
https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth.htm

Human Rights Campaign. (2020). The State of Mental Health Among LGBTQ+
People. https://www.hrc.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2020). The LGBTQ+ Toolkit for Mental Health
Professionals. https://www.nami.org/Home

National Center for Lesbian Rights. (2021). The Importance of Anti-Discrimination

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