Article
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)
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.
Keywords: firearm suicide, human rights, prevention, public health, firearm, guns, gun violence, international human rights
How to Cite: Szlyk, H. S. , Azasu, E. & Joe, S. (2019) “Firearm Suicide as a Human Rights Priority for Prevention”, Washington University Journal of Law and Policy. 60(1).