Study shows high rate of suicide among Guarani Tribe in Brazil

Thursday, June 5, 2014  

The Guarani Tribe of Brazil suffers from the highest rate of suicide in the world, according to a new study.

In 2013, at least 72 Guarani committed suicide, or a rate equivalent to 232 per 100,000. The majority of people who took their lives were between the ages of 15 and 30.

The problem has gotten worse over the last decade, according to the study. From 1986 to 1997, there were 244 suicides. The number jumped to 684 between 2000 and 2013.

"Discrimination and ethnic hatred, even encouraged by the media conduits, greatly accentuate the problem of suicides," a government attorney said in a press release. "The Natives are painted as obstacles, hindrances, obstacles to development. It's like the media conveys the message: 'If you want to stay right, take the Indian out of his way.'"

The data for the study was compiled by the Indigenous Missionary Council.

Get the Story:
New study reveals world’s highest suicide rate among Brazilian tribe (Survival International 6/5)