Vulnerable people 'denied rights'

The human rights of people with learning disabilities are frequently breached, according to MPs and peers. The Joint Committee on Human Rights say vulnerable adults are particularly likely to be abused and neglected.

In one case, a man with cerebral palsy ate nothing during a three-day hospital stay, because staff did not know how to feed him. Improvements are being made, the report says, but a culture based on outdated negative stereotypes needs changing.

Andrew Dismore, chairman of the committee, said: "It is extremely depressing to see, 10 years after the introduction of the Human Rights Act, the way people with learning disabilities are treated when using our services. The evidence has shown us that the consequences of a lack of awareness of people's rights can be devastating."

The MPs and peers highlight cases where people in care homes or hospitals have been neglected and abused, as well as other breaches of human rights included being prevented from forming and conducting relationships or marrying.

The committee also heard of patients being inappropriately restrained with straps, or subject to a "chemical cosh". The report heard evidence that adults with learning disabilities lacked confidence in the criminal justice system, were at greater risk of miscarriages of justice and less likely to qualify for early release.

Those children born to parents with learning disabilities were also more likely to be taken into care, the committee said, despite authorities having to protect their right to a family life unless it would result in a child being put at risk.

The committee was shocked that even in cases of horrific abuse, staff did not know they were doing wrong. Mr Dismore added: "We heard compelling evidence that people with learning disabilities wanted to play a greater role in speaking up for their own rights."