New Report calls for Urgent Legal Reforms in 25 Countries That Still Criminalise Suicide
25 countries still criminalise suicide, where individuals who attempt to take their own lives face arrest, prosecution, and even imprisonment. United for Global Mental Health is calling for countries across the globe to decriminalise suicide to make sure that no one is deterred ever again from reaching out for help.
A new report by United for Global Mental Health, Decriminalising Suicide: Reducing Stigma, Saving Lives, researched by United for Global Mental Healthsets out a clear roadmap for policymakers, mental health advocates, and legal experts committed to ending the criminalisation of suicide.
This report draws upon expert insights from leading organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), Lifeline International, and United for Global Mental Health to emphasise the urgent need to decriminalise suicide worldwide.
The report also features: Country profiles of 23 countries that still criminalise suicide, detailing legal frameworks, penalties, the impact of suicide’s illegality, any efforts to reform this legislation, and pathways for changing the law. These profiles can be used as part of campaigning efforts to advocate for legislative change.
Suicide is a global public health crisis, with over 720,000 dying by suicide every year. The criminalisation of suicide not only increases stigma but also prevents individuals from seeking life-saving help. It is time for countries to take a stand, reform their laws, and align with modern, compassionate approaches to mental health.
There is growing momentum across the globe for prevention, not punishment. In the last 18 months, Ghana, Guyana, Pakistan and Malaysia have reformed their mental health acts to decriminalise suicide and take proactive steps towards mental health reforms. The report features these in-depth case studies to provide lessons for other countries looking to take similar steps towards decriminalisation.
United for Global Mental Health CEO Sarah Kline advocates for change in criminalizing suicide, highlighting that it doesn’t deter people from seeking help. The report provides 23 country profiles for campaigning for change.
The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is “Changing the Narrative,” people can change the narrative by advocating for policies and legislation that prioritise mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.
