Laura Kirmayer, PhD, MSW, is an associate psychologist. Dr. Kirmayer has treated young people with ADHD, behavior disorders, autism, and anxiety and mood disorders. She has specialized training in a range of behavioral therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure plus response prevention (E/RP) and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). She is also certified in parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT).

1. Role of psychologists in human rights
Psychologists play a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights. Human rights are the basic
freedoms and entitlements that are inherent to every individual, regardless of race, gender, religion,
nationality, or any other status. Psychologists, with their expertise in human behavior, thought, and
emotion, have an important part to play in ensuring that these rights are respected and upheld.
One of the ways psychologists contribute to human rights is through their work in promoting mental
health and well-being. Psychologists work to understand and treat mental health conditions, and help
individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
This is particularly important in contexts where individuals may have experienced trauma, abuse, or
other forms of human rights violations, as such experiences can have serious and lasting impacts on
mental health. Psychologists can help to provide care and support to individuals who have been affected
by such violations, and can help to address the root causes of these problems, such as poverty, conflict,
and discrimination.
Psychologists also play a key role in addressing issues of discrimination and promoting equality.
Discrimination can take many forms, including discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, or other
factors. Psychologists can help to challenge these forms of discrimination through research, education,
and advocacy.
They can also work to promote inclusive environments where all individuals are treated with dignity and
respect. For example, psychologists can provide training to organizations to help them to better
understand and respond to the needs of diverse groups of people, and can help to develop policies and
practices that promote equality and inclusiveness.
Another important role for psychologists in promoting human rights is in their work with individuals who
have been subjected to abuse, torture, or other forms of mistreatment. In such cases, psychologists can
provide critical support and treatment to individuals who have suffered trauma, and can work to
document and document these violations, providing important evidence for the pursuit of justice and
accountability.
This work is especially important in contexts where individuals may not have access to legal remedies or
other forms of protection, and where the psychological impacts of abuse can be severe and long-lasting.
Psychologists also play a role in promoting human rights through their work in education and public
awareness. By educating the public about human rights and the psychological effects of violations,
psychologists can help to increase understanding and promote greater respect for these rights.
They can also work to build partnerships and coalitions with other professionals and organizations that
are working to promote human rights, providing their expertise and insights to help shape policies and
practices.

2. Finally, psychologists can help to protect human rights by advocating for the rights of individuals and
communities. This may involve working to raise awareness about human rights abuses and advocating
for greater protection and accountability for those who violate these rights.
Psychologists can also work to promote the development of legal and policy frameworks that support
and protect human rights, and can engage in advocacy and activism to promote greater respect for
these rights.
In conclusion, psychologists play a critical role in promoting and protecting human rights. Through their
work in mental health, discrimination and equality, response to abuse and mistreatment, education and
public awareness, and advocacy, psychologists can help to ensure that individuals and communities
around the world are able to exercise their basic freedoms and entitlements.
By working together with other professionals, organizations, and communities, psychologists can help to
create a world in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, and in which human rights
are upheld and protected.