Addressing Suicide in Iraq: Enhancing Mental Health Support and Upholding Human Rights and the Rule of Law

During the first half of 2024, the Rusafa and Karkh courts in Baghdad documented a total of 91 suicide cases. The Rusafa Investigation Court reported 55 cases, while the Karkh courts recorded 36 cases.

Investigative judges have highlighted that blackmail is a significant factor contributing to suicides among young individuals. Other motives include the pressure from public examination results and familial opposition to marriage. Additionally, suicides have been observed among certain extremist religious movements.

Judge of the Rusafa Investigation Court stated that the court recorded 55 suicide cases, comprising 28 males and 27 females. The methods of suicide varied, including ingestion of toxic substances, gunshots, hanging, and falls from heights.

Addressing the legal perspective on suicide, the Judge explained that the Iraqi Penal Code, similar to many international legal systems, does not criminalize suicide or attempted suicide, as outlined in Article 408/3. However, it does criminalize incitement and assistance to suicide due to the societal threat it poses.

The Judge elaborated on the nature of suicide as a deliberate act where the individual is both perpetrator and victim. In cases of attempted suicide, where the intended outcome is not achieved due to external intervention, such acts are generally not criminalized in Arab and Western legal systems. These individuals require compassion and support rather than punishment.

The judge emphasized that blackmail, threats, and psychological pressure significantly impact young people, leading some to suicide. Electronic blackmail, in particular, poses a growing threat to privacy and personal security. Victims often face reputational damage, financial loss, psychological distress, and physical violations.

He also cited factors such as population density, economic hardship, unemployment, domestic violence, drug addiction, and family disintegration as contributors to suicide. Neglecting mental health issues like depression further exacerbates this problem.

In a related discussion, Judge of the Third Karkh Investigation Court reported 36 suicide cases, with 23 males and 13 females. He concurred with Judge Abada on the causes of suicide, adding economic and social pressures such as unemployment and unmet personal aspirations as additional factors.

Judge Shanta also noted recent suicides linked to deviant ideological beliefs, including those associated with the "Sacrifice" group—a religious movement that emerged in Nasiriyah and spread to southern governorates. This group conducts secretive rituals culminating in a lottery where the chosen individual commits suicide by hanging.

Rule of Law and Human Rights Perspectives

From a Rule of Law perspective, the Iraqi Penal Code does not criminalize suicide or attempted suicide, aligning with international norms that view these acts as public health issues rather than criminal acts. However, it criminalizes incitement and assistance to suicide to protect societal safety.

From a human rights standpoint, it is crucial to ensure that individuals have access to mental health care and support services. The right to health includes mental health, and states are obligated to provide appropriate resources and interventions to prevent suicides.

Suggested Solutions

1-Enhance Mental Health Services: Strengthen mental health services by increasing funding for mental health care facilities, training professionals, and integrating mental health education into schools and communities.

2-Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch campaigns to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to seek help.

3-Address Economic and Social Pressures: Implement policies to alleviate unemployment and economic hardship, particularly for youth, through job creation programs and vocational training.

Combat Electronic Blackmail: Develop legal frameworks and technological solutions to combat electronic blackmail. Educate the public on digital security and provide support for victims.

4-Community Support Programs: Establish community-based support programs that offer counseling and support groups for individuals at risk of suicide.

5-Engage Religious and Community Leaders: Work with religious and community leaders to address extremist ideologies and promote messages of hope and resilience.

Judge of the Third Karkh Investigation Court reported 36 suicide cases, with 23 males and 13 females. He concurred with Judge Abada on the causes of suicide, adding economic and social pressures such as unemployment and unmet personal aspirations as additional factors.

The Judge also noted recent suicides linked to deviant ideological beliefs, including those associated with the "Sacrifice" group—a religious movement that has emerged in recent years. Addressing these complex issues requires a multifaceted approach involving legal reforms, public health strategies, and community engagement to safeguard individuals' rights and well-being.