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At the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, Deputy Dean for Social and Educational Affairs B. Abenov and Senior Curator-Adviser of the Department of Mathematics G. Auzerkhan held a seminar on this topic with second-year students. In forty countries around the world, suicide is considered a crime. However, suicide-prevention specialists argue that criminalizing it is inappropriate: people who take such a step need support rather than punishment.

Unfortunately, the global suicide rate now exceeds deaths from major diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and cancer, as well as deaths caused by conflict and homicide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 720,000 people die each year as a result of suicide. It is particularly alarming that one in three deaths among people aged 15–29 is linked to suicide. The WHO also notes that 73% of suicide attempts occur in low- and middle-income countries. There are many causes, influenced by social, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

In this context, Dr. Alan Woodward, Director of Policy at LifeLine International, believes that suicide should no longer be treated as a criminal offense.

“A person who attempts suicide does not truly want to die. As we studied people with suicidal tendencies, we found that they often feel trapped with no way out. They want to live, but feel unable to escape their suffering, and so conclude that death is the only relief. Claims that this is a carefully planned act or a deliberate choice are incorrect,” he wrote in an article published on the official website of Lifeline International.

Woodward argues that if the state knows about a person’s suicidal actions and punishes them by law, people will generally become less willing to seek support or help from others. And those who do not receive support during a difficult period may be driven toward suicide.

Many countries now acknowledge that anti-suicide laws are ineffective and have removed suicide from the category of “crime.” For example, in recent years India, Singapore, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Ghana amended their laws, drawing on the example of Ireland.

Ireland decriminalized suicide in 1993. Responsibility shifted from the justice system to the health sector. As a result, suicide prevention—treated as a health issue—requires medical and social services rather than police action. An Irish suicidology association was established. Public awareness of suicidal behavior increased, leading to restrictions on lethal means, such as tighter control over high-risk pharmaceutical drugs. Most importantly, the state provided support to people who survived attempts, as well as to the families, relatives, and friends of those who died.

“Irish families and loved ones affected by suicide received care and support while enduring grief and loss. This is a crucial part of a world where suicide is not a crime. We must build a society that can support bereaved families with compassion and understanding,” Dr. Woodward says.

Sara Kline, founder of United for Global Mental Health, also expressed concern that there are still many countries where suicide remains a criminal offense. She noted that penalties can include fines of thousands of pounds sterling and imprisonment for up to three years.

“In many countries, children can be prosecuted for attempting suicide, and in Nigeria children over seven may be arrested and tried. In 20 countries, suicide is punished under Sharia law. In reality, criminalizing suicide backfires—it does not prevent people from taking their own lives,” Kline said in an interview with The Guardian.

According to defense lawyer Shaymerden Baituganov, under Kazakhstan’s legislation, suicide is not classified as a criminal offense.

“Criminal liability is not предусмотрена (stipulated) for attempting to end one’s own life or for carrying out such an act. This position is based on a humanistic principle: a person has the right to dispose of their own life, meaning they have the right to determine its duration. However, in certain cases criminal liability may arise for the actions of other people. This is addressed under Article 105 of the Criminal Code, ‘Driving a person to suicide.’ That is, if one person, through threats, cruelty, systematic humiliation, attacks on dignity, or psychological or physical pressure, causes another person to commit suicide, that person may be held criminally liable,” Baituganov explains.

He emphasizes that the key issue is proving causation: there must be a clear, direct link between a specific person’s actions and the victim’s suicide. A mere argument, disagreement, or harsh words are insufficient; under the law, liability arises only when there is systematic, destructive influence. From a legal standpoint, it is necessary to maintain a balance between an individual’s right to free choice and protection of their life from external coercion.

Bolat ABENOV,
Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics for Social and Educational Affairs

Gaukhar AUZERKHAN,
Senior Curator of the Department of Mathematics