Washington University Journal of Law & Policy

Article Title

Firearm Suicide as a Human Rights Priority for Prevention

Authors

Hannah S. Szlyk, PhD, LCSW, Postdoctoral Research Scholar at the Center for Mental Health Services Research, Member of the Race and Opportunity Lab, The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis
Enoch Azasu, McDonnell International Academy Scholar, Race and Opportunity Lab Research Assistant, The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis
Sean Joe, PhD, LCSW, Associate Dean for Faculty & Research, Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor of Social Development, The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis

Publication Title

Washington University Journal of Law & Policy

Abstract

In addition to being a public health crisis, firearm suicide in the United States poses an ongoing threat to human rights of U.S. residents. This article argues that the U.S. is bound to act to honor its human rights obligations in this area. The article first reviews current statistics on firearm suicide in the U.S. It then outlines how the U.S. violates internationally established human rights by adhering to its current policies regarding firearms. Finally, the article suggests priorities for policy, public health intervention, and interdisciplinary education regarding access to firearms in the U.S.

Recommended Citation

Hannah S. Szlyk, Enoch Azasu, and Sean Joe, Firearm Suicide as a Human Rights Priority for Prevention, 60 Wash. U. J. L. & Pol’y 133 (2019),
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/law_journal_law_policy/vol60/iss1/10