ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

**Honor Killing**
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A honor killing, also known as a shame killing, is murder committed by members of the victim's family with the motivation of preserving or recovering the "honor" that the victim is perceived as having violated or lost as a result of their actions.

**Definition and Motivation**

Honour killings are typically motivated by the belief that the victim has brought dishonor to the family due to their behavior, which may include:

* Engaging in premarital sex
* Having a same-sex relationship
* Dressing inappropriately
* Maintaining a relationship with someone the family does not approve of

The perception of dishonor is often based on cultural and social norms, rather than objective facts. The victim's behavior is seen as a threat to the family's reputation and social status.

**Types of Honor Killings**

Honour killings can be committed by women or men, although the majority are carried out by male perpetrators against female victims. Women who are perceived as having brought dishonor to their families may also be victims of honour killings.

Some common methods used in honour killings include:

* Stoning
* Stabbing
* Beating
* Burning
* Decapitation
* Hanging
* Throat-cutting
* Lethal acid attacks
* Shooting
* Strangulation

**Global Prevalence and Cultural Significance**

Honour killings are a significant problem worldwide, with cases reported in many countries. The practice is often tolerated or even defended as a legitimate cultural practice by governments and communities.

However, human rights organizations and advocates argue that honour killings are a clear violation of human rights and should be condemned. The United Nations has recognized the need to protect women from honour crimes and to promote gender equality and social justice.

**Examples and Case Studies**

* In India, low-status immigrant men have been known to participate in honour killings against female family members who have engaged in public life or adopted customs from external groups.
* In some countries, women who are perceived as having brought dishonor to their families may be forced to choose between staying in an abusive marriage and waiting for violence to stop or separating and risking being killed by their husband or relatives.

**International Response**

Governments and international organizations have taken steps to address the issue of honour killings. For example:

* The United Nations has established a mechanism to investigate and prevent honour crimes.
* Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, have campaigned against honour killings and promoted gender equality and social justice.
* Some countries have implemented laws and policies to protect women from honour crimes and promote cultural sensitivity and understanding.

**Conclusion**

Honour killings are a serious human rights issue that requires international attention and action. The practice is often rooted in cultural and social norms, but it can have devastating consequences for individuals and families. By promoting gender equality, social justice, and cultural understanding, we can work towards preventing honour killings and protecting the human rights of all individuals.