International Organization for Migration Iraq Mental and Psychosocial Support Programme Suicide Prevention Activities

Many Iraqis have experienced a multitude of stressors over the past four decades due to war, sanctions and civil conflict. Being closely associated with social cohesion and community stabilisation, suicide prevention activities have been an increasingly important component of the International Organization of Migration (IOM)’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programme.

This report introduces the aims and activities implemented throughout different locations in Iraq by IOM. Statistics from 2015 to 2016 indicated that the rate of suicide per 100,000 persons in Iraq was between 0.97 and 1.54, with the majority of the cases being 29 years of age or younger. Following a brief situation analysis of socioeconomic, cultural and political aspects related to the phenomenon of suicide in Iraq, the subsequent report outlines the steps IOM Iraq has taken to support the government of Iraq in developing the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. It also details the efforts done towards building community awareness about suicide and building the capacity of community gatekeepers.