Emese Úri advocates for mental health legislative reforms in Serbia

Emese Úri, a parliamentary representative for the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians, addressed the Serbian Parliament regarding proposed legislation to protect individuals living with mental disorders. During the session, Úri emphasized that mental health care must extend beyond diagnosis and treatment to include prevention and broader social support.

She noted that mental illness often carries a stigma that leads to social isolation and family estrangement, unlike physical ailments such as heart disease or cancer. The proposed legal amendments aim to improve the situation for these patients, protect their dignity and rights—particularly for children—and regulate strict procedural measures. Úri highlighted that the law provides a pathway for addressing various psychological challenges, noting that not every individual in crisis requires psychiatric intervention, but many benefit from counseling, family support, and professional guidance.