From Tradition to Crime: The Global Reality of Honour Killings

Abstract

Honour killings, a form of violence committed under the guise of protecting or restoring family honour, remain a deeply rooted issue in many societies across the globe. Traditionally justified through cultural or religious narratives, these acts of violence disproportionately target women and girls, often for perceived transgressions related to autonomy, relationships, or dress. This paper explores the global dimensions of honour killings, analysing their prevalence, cultural underpinnings, and the challenges faced in addressing them through legal and human rights frameworks. Drawing on case studies from South Asia, the Middle East, and diaspora communities in the West, it examines the tension between cultural relativism and universal human rights, highlighting how international legal systems increasingly categorise honour killings as criminal acts rather than private family matters. The study underscores the urgent need for coordinated global responses, legal reforms, and grassroots cultural change to combat honour-based violence and uphold the dignity and rights of those most at risk.