Country Profile
Maldives
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Are You In A Crisis Right Now?
Maldives
Is Suicide Decriminalised?
Has the country decriminalised suicide, with clear legal frameworks and policy positions?
No
Are Crisis Lines Available?
Is free, confidential support from a helpline or hotline available? Status provided by find a helpline.
No
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)
Population
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
The Maldives, officially known as the Republic of Maldives, is an archipelagic state and country comprising over 1,000 atolls in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. The country boasts breathtaking coral reefs and crystal-clear waters with iconic bungalows that rise out of the sea.
The breathtaking coral reefs and crystal-clear waters play a pivotal role in the lives of its inhabitants, who rely on the marine ecosystem for their sustenance and livelihoods. The Maldivians are famous for their traditional fishing techniques, particularly the skilful use of poles and lines for catching tuna.
Coral mosques reflect the island's predominantly Islamic faith that underpins the country's legal system, combining Islamic law (Sharia) and Common Law inherited from colonial Britain when, historically, suicide was a crime. Although the English struck suicide from their statutes in 1961, it has remained in the corpus of other laws around the world.
The Maldives criminalises attempted suicide in the Penal code s 113 d (3) as a Class 1 misdemeanour.
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.
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