Vision

Validity strives for a world of equality, where emotional, mental and learning differences are valued equally; where the inherent autonomy and dignity of each person is fully respected; and where human rights are realised for all people without discrimination.

Mission

Validity is an international non-governmental human rights organisations that uses legal strategies to promote, protect and defend the human rights of people with mental disabilities worldwide.

• We act on the instructions of people with mental disabilities;
• We serve as a watchdog, monitoring governments, exposing abuses and advocating for change; and
• We contribute to the broader disability rights movement by offering our legal expertise.

Core values

Beyond our Vision and Mission, our work is underpinned by a set of core values.

1. We are respectful – this means that we respect every person’s human dignity; understand and recognise the validity of the views of others, even when we disagree; and we see people as humans first, not as victims
2. We are cooperative – this means that we seek sustainable partnerships with people with disabilities in everything we do, including their representative organisations, and with other representatives of civil society; we are a learning organisation, always prepared to listen, learn and reevaluate; and we seek to work with others to find solutions to common challenges
3. We are creative – this means that we take a critical approach towards disability and human rights issues; are prepared to challenge the status quo; and seek innovative and inclusive approaches in our work
4. We are accountable – this means that we answer to people with mental disabilities and the broader disability rights movements; involve organisations of persons with disabilities and others when setting our goals and evaluating our work; and seek to include people with disabilities on our staff team and boards of trustees
5. We are professional – this means that we ensure high standards in all of our work, particularly when we are representing clients; we are committed to providing opportunities for development to our staff, trustees, volunteers and partners; and we are open to all forms of feedback, both positive and critical, to constantly improve what we do and how we do it