Justice Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga has reiterated the criminality of aiding, abetting, counseling, or procuring another person’s suicide in Fiji. Speaking at the World Suicide Prevention Day event in Lautoka, he highlighted that while suicide itself has been decriminalized under the Crimes Act of 2009, encouraging or helping someone to take their own life remains a punishable offense.
Turaga stressed the importance of empathy within the justice system, emphasizing the need for collaboration between legal services and mental health professionals. He urged for integration of mental health screenings, support programs, and protocols within the legal framework to aid in suicide prevention. By working with NGOs and community figures, the government aims to develop outreach and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and building resilience.
The Justice Minister underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring public access to necessary services during challenging times. As World Suicide Prevention Day seeks to change the narrative surrounding mental health and suicide, Turaga encouraged open dialogue, kindness, and training to recognize warning signs and effectively respond.
Similar past discussions at various events have highlighted the complex nature of suicide prevention, identifying it as both a public and mental health issue. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has pointed out that poverty, social isolation, unemployment, and trauma are significant factors contributing to suicide rates, advocating for a holistic and systemic approach to prevention. The pressing need to tackle the stigma associated with mental health and foster environments of support is a recurring theme across these discussions.
Overall, the emphasis is on collaborative efforts across various sectors, including government officials, health professionals, religious leaders, and the community, to tackle the growing suicide crisis in Fiji proactively. Through initiatives like these, there is hope to create a society where seeking help is seen as a strength, breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from reaching out for support.
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