These ground-breaking legislative changes not only act as the first step towards ending the stigma of suicide and suicidal thoughts; they also mean there is a better chance of people coming forward to ask for support before it’s too late.

However, there are still at least 23 countries across the world where suicide is a criminal offence, with some laws often dating back more than a century, often a legacy of colonial British rule.

Suicide remains a significant public health concern; more than 703,000 people die by suicide every year across the world, with 77% of those deaths occurring in low-income and middle-income countries.

In countries where suicide is illegal, people who attempt suicide face punishment of anything from a fine to up to three years in prison.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention mark September 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a day designed to send a message to the world: that suicide can be prevented and the stigma surrounding suicide needs to end.

According to the WHO, criminalisation of suicide attempts does not deter suicidal behavior, but in fact stops people from seeking the support they need. It also leads to underreporting of suicide and suicide attempts, making it harder to implement community based prevention plans.

“At United for Global Mental Health, we have been working with national and international partners across the globe to campaign and advocate for the decriminalisation of suicide. We know that when people feel like they can ask for support without punishment or discrimination, they are much more likely to seek the help they need. It is vital countries where suicide is still a crime such as Bangladesh, Kenya and Nigeria, decriminalise laws relating to suicide and suicide attempts”- Sarah Kline, CEO of United for Global Mental Health

Suicide reduction is also a priority for the WHO and its member states. WHO member states committed to reducing national suicide rates by at least one-third, by 2030 as part of the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan.

Therefore, as we mark World Suicide Prevention Day, stakeholders from various sectors, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, mental health advocates, and legal authorities, should promote a world where individuals facing mental health challenges receive the support, care, and understanding they need. Suicide decriminalisation is a critical step toward developing essential country-specific suicide prevention measures and supportive methods for addressing mental health and suicide-related issues, ultimately decreasing suicide prevalence and increasing mental well-being for all.