A Church-sponsored organization has taken its message on to the streets of Seoul in a bid to reduce youth suicides in South Korea.

Seoul archdiocese’s One Body One Spirit Movement staged a parade through Myeongdong, one of the city’s busiest commercial districts, handing out “life protector cards” to passers-by on June 6.

"Youth suicides are increasing year by year and they come from a low awareness of the dignity of life," said Father Augustine Minn Kyoung-il, deputy director of the movement.

One Body One Spirit, Korea’s largest Catholic NGO, already operates a suicide prevention center, offering support and counseling to people who feel vulnerable and at risk.

According to Korea’s National Statistical Office, 317 people aged between 10 and 19 committed suicide in 2008. The figure shows a steady rise from 309 in 2007 and 232 in 2006.

South Korea has the highest overall suicide rate in the world. The main reasons for the nation’s youth suicides are thought to be study related and sexually related anxieties, along with family discord.

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