Country Profile
South Sudan
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Are You In A Crisis Right Now?
South Sudan
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
South Sudan, officially known as the Republic of South Sudan, is located in East-Central Africa, with a diverse landscape featuring savannas, swamps, and mountains. South Sudan is home to numerous ethnic groups, including the Dinka, Nuer, and Bari, each contributing to the nation's cultural tapestry.
South Sudan is predominantly Christian, with various denominations, including Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism. The legal system combines Common Law and Customary Law, which often relate to family matters such as births, deaths and marriages.
Like many nations, South Sudan inherited colonial-era laws from the British and their role in Egypt. Suicide is a criminal offence in the country, per the Penal Code Act 2008, Section 215. The punishment for this can include imprisonment for up to a 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.
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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