Honor Killings

I was horrified when I completed by presentation on Honor Killings. I was not naïve; I knew that these types of crimes were committed in the world, but I never thought it was seen as heroic in the areas they existed in. Men who commit these crimes are seen as upholding the family’s honor, and bringing justice to the crime the alleged adulteress committed. There was one report of a man returning from his 2 year incarceration by means a white horse and while holding a sword, both of which the village gave him as a sign of honor. Furthermore, in such countries as Jordan and Syria, written law excuses Honor Killings. Only recently has enough commotion been stirred up to have these penal codes re-examined, and only re-examined—not demolished. Women have no rights in these countries and have only their word against an accuser’s. For doing something as innocent as trading a joke with the member of the opposite sex, a woman can be accused of adultery. What’s worse is that countries such as Jordan and Syria jail those who commit honor killings anywhere from 3 months to 2 years, contrasting to the normal life sentence from the US. Currently Human Rights Watch and a few other women empowerment groups have done work to eradicate Honor Killings, but very little can be accomplished without government intervention. In order for these murders to stop, we need the support of other countries. However, it is unlikely that foreign countries are going to risk their own reputation and casualties to make such a statement or intervention.