Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma has called for more effective and proactive measures to prevent suicide, emphasizing the importance of community support. Speaking in Parliament last week, he noted that globally, the most common methods of suicide include the ingestion of pesticides, hangings, and firearms, which is why paraquat has been banned in Fiji.
Sharma highlighted that suicide is often surrounded by stigma, shame, and misunderstanding, leading many individuals to avoid seeking the help they need. “The prevention of suicide cannot be accomplished by one person, organisation, or institution. It requires the collective effort of the community,” he stated.
He advocated for the restriction and monitoring of the sale and use of fertilizers and pesticides, which could be misused in suicide attempts. Additionally, Sharma stressed the need to curb networks that promote drug use, social media bullying, and threats. He called for laws to penalize those who engage in bullying, harassment, and threats on social media platforms.
Sharma referenced a recent incident where a TikToker took his own life due to online bullying, expressing concern over the accessibility of such harmful content to children in Fiji. He stressed the importance of reinforcing protective factors by providing social support to vulnerable individuals, ensuring follow-up care, combating stigma, and offering support to those affected by suicide.
He urged the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance to consider these issues in the next budget.