Country Profile
Myanmar
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Are You In A Crisis Right Now?
Myanmar
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?
No
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
Myanmar, officially known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, is home to 135 indigenous ethnic groups in eight national races, including Burman, Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan, each with customary laws and traditions based on local customs, beliefs, and practices. The country has multiple legal systems comprising Statute Law, Common Law, and Customary Law, which occasionally overlap, particularly in personal matters relating to family law.
Like many nations, Myanmar inherited colonial-era laws that criminalise attempted suicide. These punitive measures perpetuate stigma and hinder providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis. The colonial-era laws do not align with modern mental health care principles and emphasise punishment over assistance.
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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