This year’s theme for Human Rights Day, observed every year on 10 December, is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”. This theme underscores the critical role human rights play in addressing pressing global challenges, preventing harm, addressing current injustices, and fostering a better future. Among these urgent issues is the decriminalisation of suicide – a fundamental human right that deserves immediate attention and action.
Suicide and attempted suicide are still considered illegal in at least 23 countries worldwide. Criminalising suicide exacerbates the distress of 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. This contradicts the essence of human rights, which aim to protect life, dignity, and well-being. The WHO Policy Brief on the health aspects of decriminalization of suicide and suicide attempts recognises that the criminalisation of suicide denies people some of their most fundamental human rights, including the right to access relevant health services and support. IASP therefore encourages countries where suicide attempts are currently illegal to develop and implement legislation that decriminalises suicide. By doing so, we can ensure that individuals in crisis are met with empathy, care, and appropriate mental health interventions. Only then can we achieve the “right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health”, as mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Further, a rights-based approach to suicide prevention recognises the complex interplay of various socio-economic factors and addresses the systemic inequities that contribute to vulnerability. It also supports advocating for policies that address the root causes of suicide, such as poverty, unemployment, and discrimination. The recently launched Lancet Series on suicide prevention highlighted the need to acknowledge the impact of social factors, such as poverty, debt, addictions, homelessness, abuse, discrimination, and social isolation, rather than presenting suicide as a purely mental health issue. To make a meaningful difference in suicide prevention efforts, the series also emphasised the need for strategic public health approaches to address upstream socioeconomic conditions. When we acknowledge mental health as a fundamental human right, we can promote access to quality mental health services and create policies that tackle the social determinants of suicide at their source.
This Human Rights Day, we must collectively advocate to decriminalise suicide and champion a rights-based approach to suicide prevention. By integrating human rights across policy solutions, we can build a society where mental health is not stigmatised, help is available, and no one is left to face their struggles alone.
