ICCPR concluding observations 2015, paragraph 16
Plain English recommendation
Government should: Take action to prevent suicides, including suicides and self-harm in custody, by: (a) tackling the root causes of suicide and self-harm, improving identification of at-risk individuals, and managing prevention strategies. (b) training prison officials in preventing suicide and self-harm. (c) providing mental health and other support services for prisoners. (d) tackling bullying in custody. (e) ensuring cases of suicide and self-harm are investigated. (f) considering the Harris Review report and implementing its recommendations.
Original UN recommendation
The State party should take robust measures to prevent self-inflicted deaths (suicides), including suicides and self-harm in custody, inter alia by: (a) Studying and addressing the root causes of the problem, continuing to improve the identification of persons at risk of suicide and self-harm, and operating effective early prevention strategies and programmes. (b) Providing adequate training to prison officials on prevention of suicide and self-harm. (c) Ensuring adequate protection of prisoners and appropriate mental health and other support services for them. (d) Combating bullying in custody facilities effectively. (e) Ensuring that cases of suicide and self-harm are independently and thoroughly investigated and that lessons are learned. (f) Giving due consideration to the Harris Review report and to implementing its recommendations.
Date of UN examination
16/08/2015
UN article number
2 (implementation at the national level), 6 (right to life), 7 (freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment), 9 (liberty and security), 10 (treatment of people deprived of liberty), 24 (rights of the child)
Original UN document
Download the original ICCPR concluding observations 2015 on the UN website