National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea Q. Recommendation and Opinion on the Revision of the Act for the Prevention of Suicide and the Creation of Culture of Respect for Life The rate of suicide of Korea is first among OECD countries as of 2013. The difference between the first and second highest rates of suicide is considerable. The government of Korea implemented two suicide prevention programs (2004-2008 and 2009-2013). The Act for the Prevention of Suicide and the Creation of Culture of Respect for Life came into effect on March 31, 2012. In order to contribute to lowering suicidal deaths and to fostering culture of respecting the value of life, the Commission recommended, on November 21, 2013, to the Ministry of Health and Welfare the revision of the Act, and its enforcement decrees. In addition, the Commission expressed the same opinion to the Speaker of the National Assembly. Details of the recommendations include: i) establishing legal basis for the Suicide Prevention Center to have access to the findings of suicide surveys and analysis of suicidal statistics; ii) including the suicide attempters' families in the list of psychological counseling and treatment in addition to the suicide attempters; iii) establishing legal basis for the Ministry of Health and Welfare to recommend the press the minimum coverage of suicides and the restriction of sensational expressions; iv) revision of statutes to include social welfare civil servants, social welfare workers, mental health experts, and police officers and first-aid medical staff who personally encounter suicide attempters in the list of educational program receivers for suicide prevention counseling. Chapter 1. Improvement of Laws and Regulations, Institution, Policies, and Practices ▪▪▪ 55