Mental health legislation in the Middle East: current frameworks, gaps and pathways for reform

Mental health legislation in the Middle East varies significantly in terms of scope, content and implementation. Some countries have rights-based laws aligning with international standards, but others experience significant gaps in legal protections, regulatory oversight and the integration of community-based care. In conflict-affected regions, the disparity between legislative goals and the reality of functional mental health systems is even more pronounced. This paper examines the existing legal frameworks in Middle Eastern countries, emphasising the urgent need for harmonized, enforceable, and contextually relevant legal frameworks to promote equitable and rights-based psychiatric care throughout the region.