Suicide and attempted suicide is still considered illegal in at least 23 countries worldwide. Criminalising suicide exacerbates the distress for those who attempt suicide, creating an additional layer of fear and stigma. Instead of receiving the understanding and support they urgently need, individuals face the prospect of legal consequences. IASP recognizes the critical importance of dismantling these barriers, advocating for the decriminalisation of suicide to ensure that individuals in crisis are met with empathy, care, and appropriate mental health interventions.
Decriminalisation is a stepping stone in the prevention of suicide and requires the accompaniment of multilevel prevention efforts. IASP aims to identify, and support the implementation of, effective approaches to advocating for the decriminalisation of suicidal behaviour (suicide and attempted suicide) to relevant international and national authorities (e.g., WHO, governments, professional associations, NGOs etc.)
IASP full policy position and supporting background document.
IASP’s policy position on the decriminalisation of suicide will serve advocates for decriminalisation, policy makers, other international organisations, NGOs and also government. The document outlines the current status of attempted suicide, presents the arguments for and against decriminalisation, discusses the challenges of decriminalisation and outlines the roles of stakeholders in decriminalising suicidal behaviour.
GLOBAL EFFORTS
WHO Policy Brief on the health aspects of decriminalization of suicide and suicide attempts
Global Mental Health Action Network
IASP Co-Chairs the Global Mental Health Action Network’s Suicide Decriminalisation Working Group championing advocacy for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicidal behaviour in countries where it is criminalised. The Working Group also encourages the development of national suicide prevention policies and frameworks to allow for individuals with lived experience to access the support they need.
Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide
Knowledge Hub
At the core of a successful movement is a global knowledge and evidence base. The knowledge hub from LifeLine International provides the most relevant understanding of the issues, for the community to learn from and act upon.
LATEST NEWS
Human Rights Day 2023
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly. Human Rights Day began that year as a way of commemorating the historical document, which set out some of the fundamental human rights, such as the right to life, social security, health, and education.
LifeLine International launches Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide campaign
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and LifeLine International share the same core belief – suicide everywhere in the world can be prevented.
World Health Organization (WHO) launches Policy Brief on the Decriminalisation of Suicide and Suicide Attempts
As part of global efforts to address mental health and suicide prevention, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a comprehensive policy brief on the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts.
Human Rights Day 2022
Human Rights Day, celebrated every year on December 10, is being observed this year under the theme “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All”.
