An analysis of suicide and homicide rates was made for countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region using global burden of disease data for 2000. The suicide/homicide ratio by age, sex and country level of income was calculated by dividing the suicide rate by the sum of the suicide and homicide rate. Males were more often victims of homicide whilst females were more often victims of suicide. For all male age groups except males 60+ years in high-income countries, the suicide/homicide ratio was 50% or less while for all female age groups except those 60+ years in high-income countries and females 5–14 years old in low- and middle-income countries, the suicide/homicide ratio was over 50%.