Country Profile
Sudan
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Are You In A Crisis Right Now?
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
Sudan, officially known as the Republic of the Sudan, located in Northeast Africa, is known for its deserts, mountains, and the fertile Nile River valley. The country is home to numerous ethnic groups, including the Beja, Nubians, and Fur, and their multifaceted cultural heritage is deeply rooted in historical traditions. The religious makeup of Sudan is primarily Muslim, including Sufi Islam.
The legal system in Sudan is a combination of Islamic law (Sharia), Customary Law, and Common Law. These legal systems often overlap in family, marriage, and inheritance matters.
Like many nations, Sudan inherited colonial-era laws from the United Kingdom, including attempted suicide. Decriminalised in 1961 in the UK, suicide is still a crime in Sudan. The Penal Code 2003, Section 261 reads, "Whoever attempts to or engages in any act towards committing suicide, commits an offence, and upon conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or with a fine or with both.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates decriminalising 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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