WILFULLY aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the suicide of another individual or an attempt remains a criminal offence, says Justice Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga.
He told the World Suicide Prevention Day event in Lautoka on Wednesday that suicide is decriminalised in Fiji under section 248 of the Crimes Act of 2009.
“As Minister for Justice, I emphasise our unique role of compassion through contact,” Mr Turaga said.
“Every interaction, from court proceedings to correctional services, is an opportunity to empathic listening and redirection to care.
“For justice-informed prevention, we can collaborate with health services to embed mental health screening, support programs and crisis response protocols into correction and legal framework.
“In the community justice partnership, we work alongside NGOs, local leaders and mental health professionals. We can co-design outreach and rehabilitation initiatives that reduce stigma and build resilience.”
Mr Turaga said the government is committed to ensuring that access to justice is facilitated, and that members of the public, during their most difficult times, can access the services they need.
“On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let us commit to speaking up with kindness and courage, training ourselves and others to recognise warning signs and respond effectively.
“Suicide does not define us, but empathy can, compassion can save lives. Together, let us truly change the narrative, not in words, but in real action.”
