Criminalised in 25 countries
Impacting nearly 1 billion lives
A global challenge, beyond borders.
Afghanistan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Brunei Darussalam
Grenada
Jordan
Kenya
Malawi
Maldives
Myanmar
Nigeria
Papua New Guinea
Qatar
Republic of The Gambia
Saint Lucia
Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago
Uganda
United Arab Emirates
United Republic of Tanzania
In these 25 countries, suicide is a crime. This leaves vulnerable people without access to help and support they really need, isolating them when they need connection most. It also means social stigma is entrenched in society, bringing shame instead of compassion and empathy. And if they survive, the threat of punishment.
The criminalisation of suicide takes, not saves lives.
Death by suicide can mean terrible legal sanctions and social consequences for grieving families. In cases where suicide is attempted, this criminalisation can lead to penalties, shame and even jail instead of the love, support and care needed for their recovery.
No Deterrence
Criminalisation doesn't reduce suicide attempts.
No Support
Criminalisation inhibits help seeking - Nearly 1 billion people with little or no access to help.
Stigma Fueled
Criminalisation entrenches the stigma around suicide for the individual and their family.
Human Rights
Denying access to mental health support is a breach of human rights.
A global challenge, beyond borders.
Afghanistan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Brunei Darussalam
Grenada
Jordan
Kenya
Malawi
Maldives
Myanmar
Nigeria
Papua New Guinea
Qatar
Republic of The Gambia
Saint Lucia
Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago
Uganda
United Arab Emirates
United Republic of Tanzania
In these 25 countries, suicide is a crime. This leaves vulnerable people without access to help and support they really need, isolating them when they need connection most. It also means social stigma is entrenched in society, bringing shame instead of compassion and empathy. And if they survive, the threat of punishment.
When suicide is a crime, these laws take, not saves, lives.
Death by suicide can mean terrible legal sanctions and social consequences for grieving families. In cases where suicide is attempted, this criminalisation can lead to penalties, shame and even jail instead of the love, support and care needed for their recovery.
No Deterrence
Criminalisation doesn't reduce suicide attempts.
No Support
Criminalisation inhibits help seeking - Nearly 1 billion people with little or no access to help.
Stigma Fueled
Criminalisation entrenches the stigma around suicide for the individual and their family.
Human Rights
Denying access to mental health support is a breach of human rights.
Championing
a World
Without
Stigma.
EVERY LIFE MATTERS.
At LifeLine International, we envision a world where suicide is preventable and those at risk are met with compassion, not criminalisation.
It’s time to decriminalise suicide worldwide.
Through starting a conversation and guiding the collective voice, national coalitions will help us raise awareness around the importance of suicide prevention and make the case for legal change.
Together, we can prevent suicide, eradicate stigma and offer hope and crisis support to those who need it most. Join us and be part of a global initiative that’s creating a world where mental health, crisis and despair, is understood, not criminalised.
Universal support access
Decriminalising suicide says it’s ok for everyone, everywhere to access life-saving prevention support - and removes the fear of penalty.
More life saving work in more places.
There are more than 1000 crisis call centres in the world - by changing laws that make suicide a crime, more centres can work with greater life saving impact.
Compassion over condemnation
Join a global initiative that's actively changing societal views, replacing stigma with understanding and compassion.
A collective movement
Join people like you who care deeply about suicide prevention, and a community of experts, advocates and partners, all championing a world where mental health is embraced, not stigmatised.
Stay informed
We’re currently gathering stories from those who have been affected by these inhumane laws. Stay up-to-date on the global movement and help us make a difference.
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to receive help in times of crisis, free from judgement, discrimination or disparity of access.
Lifeline International and others provide crisis lines around the world. We create a community of suicide prevention services that learn together and grow together.
Our reach is global, but our approach is personal. We've touched countless lives, offering hope in moments of despair. We have supported the decriminalisation of suicide in several countries, transforming societal perceptions and opening doors to essential crisis line support.
