Honor Killings

Honor Killings are murders committed by male family members against female family members as punishment for the woman's actual or perceived immoral behavior. The United Nations estimates that 5,000 women are victims of honor killings annually. Some cases may go unreported.

Women who are killed in 'honor killings' are targets if they refuse an arranged marriage or a forced marriage. Other reasons that honor killings are committed include adultery, or other 'justification' stemming from 'dishonorable' behavior.

Honor Killings date back to the pre-Islamic era. In those times men were encouraged to kill their baby daughters alive to avoid the possibility that they might dishonor their family. The prophet Mohammed called for this to end. However, the practice spread throughout Arabic countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, India and Bangladesh, The West Bank of Israel and Jordan.

The United Nations began investigating "honor suicides" in 2006. An honor suicide is a "forced suicide". The UN reported a growing number of suicides by women in Turkey. The increased number of suicides in strict Muslim communities coincided with stricter laws and sentencing related to honor killings.

Reports from Pakistan indicate that five women, three of them teenagers, who attempted to select their own husbands, may have been the victims of an "honor killing" incident. The women were allegedly thrown into a ditch and burned alive in August of 2008. Three relatives have been arrested in connection with the crimes, leading the nation's Parliament to order an inquiry into the matter.FoxNews.com: Pakistan Opens Investigation into "Honor Killings" of Five Women (September 1, 2008)