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Libya
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Libya

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Country Profile

Libya

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Are You In A Crisis Right Now?

Is Suicide Decriminalised?

Has the country decriminalised suicide, with clear legal frameworks and policy positions?

Uncertain

Are Crisis Lines Available?

Is free, confidential support from a helpline or hotline available? Status provided by find a helpline.

Yes

National Suicide Prevention Strategy?

Is there a national suicide prevention strategy, such as from the WHO, and does include decriminalisation, if known?

Uncertain

Population in Need of Support Per Year

Based on the WHO likely attempted suicide rate.

As a calculation of population size against suicide rate

Strength Of Support (Local Qualitative Assessment)

Political Support

Civil Society Support

Religious / Cultural Support

Legislative Activity

Suicide Rate Per 100K Per Year, all Sexes (SDG 3.4.2)

per 100,000
WHO 2019 for SDG 3.4.2. Global average 1 per 100,000

Suicide Deaths Per Year (By Population)

per annum
As a calculation of population size against suicide rate

Libya, officially known as the State of Libya, is located along the Mediterranean coast in North Africa. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage reflecting influences from Berber, Arab, and Ottoman traditions. Berbers are famous for their distinctive language and traditions, including the Amazigh script. Sunni Islam is the predominant faith in Libya, with Sufism also having a notable presence.

The legal system in Libya is a combination of Islamic Law (Sharia) and Civil Law which Libya inherited colonial-era laws from Italy where. Although laws against attempted suicide were struck from the statutes in Italy in 1889, they have 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.

This country profile has been compiled from available research and verified as well as possible. If you wish to supply clarifications, updates, feedback, facts or data, please use the Contact Us form on this page. And if you want your country to take ownership of managing and sharing this information, and progress being made, please register your interest in participating via our Get Involved form.