Suicide Decriminalisation
The Suicide Decriminalisation Working Group has been set up to champion 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.
Co-chairs
Ali Hasnain
United for Global Mental Health
Katherine Thomson International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
Our Focus
Suicide remains illegal in at least 20 countries and whilst these countries vary, in some places these laws are enforced with punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment. The criminalisation of attempted suicide can prevent individuals from being able to access the support they need and increase stigma.
Latest News
In 2021 we worked with the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s TrustLaw programme, along with an international law firm, to conduct research into:
The legal structures in countries where suicide is a criminal offence;
The repercussions for those who attempt suicide in these countries (and for their friends and families);
The opportunities for advocacy and reform around the world.
On the back of this research, we published the report Decriminalising Suicide: Saving lives, reducing stigma as an informational tool for those campaigning for the decriminalisation of suicide.
