Discrimination Against Prisoners with Learning Disabilities Essay

Discrimination Against Prisoners with Learning Disabilities - Essay Example An inexplicably huge population of prisoners has mental disabilities; the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that a large number of prisoners in Europe have some kind of mental disorder, specifically learning disability. A current study conducted in New South Wales, Australia reported that 80% of the total prisoner population have a mental disorder. In the United States, more than half of the prisoner population are under medication for psychotic problems and major depression. Studies in the United Kingdom have reported a comparable situation. As reported by a current Prison Reform Trust study, prisoners with learning disabilities experience discrimination and other human rights violence. Among people with mental disorders those with learning disorders are still among the most discriminated and mistreated members of the society. According to the United Nations Special Rapporteur, â€Å"... [t]heir neglect is reflected in society at large, among the health professionals, and in the human rights community† (Rosenberg & Rosenberg, 2012, p. 105). This discrimination and neglect are even more severe in the prison environment in numerous countries. Current studies in several countries have revealed the huge population of prisoners suffering from learning disabilities and the severely insufficient attention given to their mental health care needs.   Some individuals with learning disabilities are at risk of criminal behaviour and are, thus, predisposed to have dealings with the criminal justice system.