There is no systematic reporting on suicide in Fiji, UN senior health official Dainius Puras has told the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Mr Puras, who is the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, visited Fiji towards the end of 2019 and was reporting to the council.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services reported that Fiji was considered to have one of the highest suicide rates in the world,” Mr Puras said.
“Student suicides are particularly alarming, and currently considered the most common cause of death among teenagers and youths. More than 90 per cent of those who died by suicide may have had clinical depression or another mental health condition.”
Mr Puras said for children, home and school environments made a significant contribution to their emotional well-being.
“Drugs and alcohol use and abuse have also been linked to suicide in Fiji.
“In this regard, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur that it intended to develop a database on suicide.”
Fiji stated it looked forward to future consultation and co-operation with the office of the Special Rapporteur in implementing its recommendations.
