Country Progress

We are tracking the progress of 52 countries – 25 where attempted suicide remains a crime, and 27 where the status of legal frameworks remains unclear. We also include 5 countries who have decriminalised in the last 10 years. You can learn more here.

Focus Countries

(All Decriminalisation Status)

(All Types of Law)

(All Methodologies)

Afghanistan, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, and many others. The country's culture and legal systems are underpinned by Islamic traditions and a rich tapestry of its ethnic diversity.
The country has a unique blend of legal systems, including Islamic Law (Sharia), Customary Law, and elements of Statute Law. These legal systems overlap and influence daily life and governance. Criminalising suicide is a punitive measure that perpetuates stigma and hinders providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Page two of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) delivered in February 2019 says, "Suicide is a criminal act in Islamic 'Sharia' and also in the Afghani Civil and Criminal laws." On page fourteen, it adds, "Suicide is a criminal act by SHAREA law, Civil and Criminal law so more advocacy is needed to decriminalise suicide act."
Efforts have been made to reform these laws and align them with contemporary mental health and well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Afghanistan

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

34,873

42.5M

Algeria, officially known as the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, primarily consisting of Arab-Berbers, Arabized Berbers, Tuaregs, and various other smaller communities. The country's legal system is based on a combination of Islamic Law (Sharia), French Civil Law based on the Napoleonic Code and Customary Law, with some overlap between them particularly in matters relating to family, marriage and funeral rites.
The legal system is based on French Civil Law. Like many nations, Algeria inherited colonial-era laws from France. Although suicide was decriminalised in France in 1791, the offence has remained in the corpus of other laws around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Algeria

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

22,892

45.7M

Antigua and Barbuda is home to a diverse population comprising primarily Afro-Antiguans, Afro-Barbudans, and people of mixed ethnic backgrounds. The country's culture is coloured by its bright Caribbean flavour, significant Christian influence, and a legal system based on Statute Law and Common Law.
Like many other nations, Antigua and Barbuda inherited colonial-era laws from the United Kingdom in the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda. Suicide was a crime at the time, and may still be considered a criminal offence under these inherited laws.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Antigua and Barbuda

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

8

0.094M

The Bahamas, officially known as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is located in the Atlantic Ocean at the crossroads of the Americas. It's home to a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, including African, European and Indigenous Bahamians, and a significant community of Asians. The country boasts a vibrant culture, with colourful Junkanoo street parades celebrating West African traditions and European colonial legacies.
The Bahamas are predominantly Christian, with Baptists, Anglicans, and Catholics being the largest congregations. There's also a significant presence of Bahá'í Faith, Islam, and Judaism intermingled with various Indigenous belief systems. This mix of cultures and faiths contributes to the country's colourful identity, which celebrates religious tolerance and diversity.
Like many nations, The Bahamas inherited colonial-era laws in which suicide is still a criminal offence. Chapter 84 s. 294 in the Penal Code (Bahamas) lists attempted suicide as a misdemeanour with a punishment of up to two years imprisonment for those convicted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Bahamas

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

289

0.414M

Bangladesh, officially known as The People's Republic of Bangladesh, is home to the ethnic Bengali people. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a population of nearly 170 million. The culture in Bangladesh is a fusion of Bengali and Islamic traditions, influencing various aspects of life, including art, music, dance, and cuisine.
The country has a dual legal system comprising English Common Law and Islamic Law, which occasionally overlap, particularly in family matters.
Like many other nations, Bangladesh inherited colonial-era laws that treated suicide as a criminal offence, particularly Section 309 of the Bangladeshi Penal Code, which criminalises attempted suicide, with punishment including imprisonment for up to one year and the possibility of a fine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Learning more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Bangladesh

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

128,317

173.4M

Barbados, a picturesque Caribbean island nation, is celebrated for its sandy beaches, vibrant culture, and generous hospitality. This island nation offers visitors a unique blend of British colonial history and rich Afro-Caribbean traditions. It creates a cultural tapestry woven with flavours, music, and festivals that reflect its unique heritage.
Like many other nations, Barbados inherited colonial-era laws from the United Kingdom, the former colonial power that governed the island. Suicide was a criminal offence under these colonial-era laws.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Barbados

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

34

0.282M

Brunei Darussalam, officially Negara Brunei Darussalam, translates from Malay to 'Seafarers Living in the Abode of Peace'. Located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, Brunei Brunei is known for its substantial oil and natural gas reserves, which have played a significant role in the country's economy.
Brunei's lush rainforests, like the Ulu Temburong National Park, offer jungle trekking, canopy walks, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
It is home to a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, including Malay, Chinese, and Indigenous Dayak.
As an Islamic nation, Brunei adheres to the Sunni faith, with mosques and Islamic institutions playing a significant role in daily life.
The legal system combines Common Law, Customary Law, and Islamic Law (Sharia), which overlap in matters relating to personal life and the family.
Like many nations, Brunei Darussalam inherited colonial-era laws from the British Empire. Although struck from the British statutes in 1961, attempted suicide is still a crime under Brunei's Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 (s 165) and the Penal Code (article 309). It comes with a punishment that may include imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, a fine, or both.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Brunei

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

245

0.453M

The Central African Republic, officially known as the Central African Republic, is home to various ethnic groups, including the Baya, Banda, and Mbororo people. They bring to the country their rich cultural traditions, including vibrant music and dance, as well as diverse belief systems, with Christianity and Islam being the prominent faiths in the nation.
The legal system of the Central African Republic is a combination of Customary laws, French Civil Law based on the Napoleonic Code, and some Islamic Law - which occasionally overlap, particularly on family matters relating to marriage and inheritance.
Like many other nations, the Central African Republic inherited colonial-era laws from its former colonial ruler, France. Although suicide was decriminalised in France in 1791, the offence has remained in the corpus of other laws around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Central African Republic

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

14,237

5.1M

Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad, is located in the heart of North-Central Africa. It's home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Sara, Arab, and Gorane peoples. Chad's religious makeup is equally diverse, encompassing Islam as the predominant faith, intermingled with indigenous African belief systems. This mix of cultures and faiths contributes to the country's unique identity.
The legal system in Chad combines French Civil Law based on the Napoleonic Code, and Customary Law. These occasionally overlap, particularly in the family matters of birth, death and marriage.
Like many other nations, Chad inherited colonial-era laws from its former colonial ruler, France. Although suicide was decriminalised in France in 1791, the offence has remained in the corpus of other laws around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Chad

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

23,585

18.4M

Djibouti, officially known as the Republic of Djibouti, is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, in the eastern part of the African continent. Situated on the continent's northeastern coast, bordering the Red Sea, Djibouti is a strategic location and a hub for trade and commerce. It's home to a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, including the Afar, Issa, and Somali people. Djibouti's religious makeup is equally diverse, encompassing Islam as the predominant faith, intermingled with various indigenous belief systems. This mix of cultures and faiths contributes to the country's unique identity.
The legal system in Djibouti combines French Civil Law based on the Napoleonic Code and Islamic Law (Sharia), which overlap, particularly on family matters relating to marriage and inheritance.
Like many other nations, Djibouti inherited colonial-era laws from its former colonial ruler, France. Although suicide was decriminalised in France in 1791, the offence has remained in the corpus of other laws around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Djibouti

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

2,190

1.1M

Equatorial Guinea, officially known as the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, is located on the west coast of Central Africa, bordered by Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the east and south. The country's cultural diversity is a unique blend of African and Spanish influences, with colourful traditions, music, and dance from people, including the Fang, Bubi, and Ndowe.
The majority practice Christianity, primarily Roman Catholicism, while Islam and Indigenous beliefs coexist.
The legal system in Equatorial Guinea is based on a combination of Spanish Civil Law and Customary Law overlapping in family matters relating to marriage and property.
Equatorial Guinea inherited colonial-era laws from Spain at a time when, historically, suicide was a crime. Although Spain has decriminalised suicide, it remains in the corpus of other laws worldwide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Equatorial Guinea

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

2,726

1.7M

Eritrea, known officially as the State of Eritrea, is in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea's geographical position makes it one of the countries in the region with a coastline along the Red Sea where it's home to a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, including the Tigrinya, Tigre, and Saho peoples.
Eritrea's religious makeup is equally diverse, with most of the population adhering to Orthodox Christianity and various Protestant denominations. There is a significant Muslim minority, and indigenous African belief systems create a mix of cultures and faiths, contributing to the country's unique identity.
The legal system in Eritrea is based on a combination of Civil Law and Customary Law, which overlap, especially in family matters relating to marriage and inheritance.
Like many other nations, Eritrea inherited colonial-era laws from its historical ruling countries, including Italy. Although suicide was decriminalised in Italy in 1889 the offence has remained in the corpus of other laws around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress.
Decriminalising suicide saves lives.

Eritrea

Is Suicide Decriminalised

Population

8,212

3.7M

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