All of us have the right to decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. For persons with mental health problems, achieving this right is particularly challenging. The importance of work in enhanc- ing the economic and social integration of people with mental health problems is highlighted in this monograph.

Objectives and strategies
• To strengthen mental health policies, legislation and plans through: increasing awareness of the burden associated with mental health problems and the commitment of governments to reduce this burden; helping to build up the technical capacity of countries to create, review and develop mental health policies, legislation and plans; and developing and disseminating advocacy and policy resources.
• To improve the planning and development of services for mental health through: strengthening the technical capacity of countries to plan and develop services; supporting demonstration projects for mental health best practices; encouraging operational research related to service delivery; and developing and disseminating resources related to service development and delivery.