St. George’s, Grenada -Moving a step closer towards decriminalization of suicide attempt in Grenada, the government as well as the civil society has started the consultations on this issue.
Grenada is one of the 25 nations across the globe where suicide is considered to be a criminal act.
Voices have been raised from various quarters of the society for decriminalizing suicide attempt and there have been continuous discussions on this issue.
Now the government as well as civil society has started the consultation process which was hosted by Caricope Wellness. The event was supported by USAID and representatives of a number of ministries that are involved in decriminalizing suicide attempt also participated in these consultations.
Grenadian people are seeking that those attempting suicide must be treated with compassion and a comprehensive approach must be adopted to deal with such individuals.
The people of Grenada have been supporting that instead of using the law as a deterrent against suicide attempts the government must prepare a comprehensive plan to provide help to the individuals contemplating or attempting suicide.
It is being demanded that legal action against such individuals must be avoided and they must be provided support by removing the social stigma attached to suicide attempt.
During the consultations that are being held efforts are being made to create a consensus on decriminalizing suicide attempt.
The expert participating in these consultations are advocating that those attempting suicide need help and must not be subjected to legal action. They said that suicide is a mental health issue and not a criminal one.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also been raising concerns against considering suicide as a criminal act. The World Health body has been asking the nations to decriminalize suicide and instead encourage individuals to seek help.
The expert said that in case an individual who is undergoing a crisis gets proper help, many suicide attempt can be avoided and lives can be saved.
During the consultations the government is planning to involve experts from various walks of life including those working in this sphere of mental health, community engagement and various government departments.
From these consultations the government is planning to come up with the national suicide prevention plan which may also include decriminalization of suicide attempt.
