Validity is an international non-governmental organisation which deploys legal strategies to promote, protect and defend the human rights of persons with mental disabilities. Operating in Europe and Africa, Validity specialises in undertaking strategic litigation and advocacy initiatives to advance rights protections for persons with psychosocial disabilities and persons with intellectual disabilities, in line with international law. We hold special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), participatory status with the Council of Europe and a pending application for observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR). Validity works closely with - and under the instructions of - persons with disabilities, their representative organisations, and broader civil society. In doing so, we seek to offer our legal support in tackling some of the most widespread and systematic human rights violations faced by persons with disabilities including institutionalisation, guardianship and denial of education.