Country Profile
Saudi Arabia
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Are You In A Crisis Right Now?
Saudi Arabia
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.
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)
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
Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is on the Arabian Peninsula. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in Islamic traditions and Bedouin culture.
Saudi Arabia is predominantly Muslim, with the legal system following Islamic Law, meaning Sharia law is directly applied. Suicide and attempted suicide are viewed as crimes against oneself. The enforcement of these laws depends on the demonstration of intent, with the possibility of an insanity defence.
An example from 2018 illustrates how these laws are enforced, with a man sentenced to one month in jail and 60 lashes for threatening to kill himself, which the court deemed 'blackmail'.
Sharia principles guide the legal procedures, as outlined in Article 1 of the Law on Criminal Procedure, while the World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts.
The issue of suicide is also influenced by concerns relating to violence and political activism, with religious authorities condemning suicide for acts of violence, such as jihad.
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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