Honour killing is one form of violence against women where, under the pretext of protecting their honour, the right to life is taken away from the victim. The victims of honour killings are usually unmarried girls who are killed by their father, brother, or husband. Reasons such as refusing forced marriages and engaging in romantic relationships are often cited as motives for honour killings and femicides. These killings are often carried out by family members and the main victims are girls and women. After the COVID-19 pandemic, honour killings have increased in Iran, with factors such as psychological pressure, economic poverty, and male unemployment all playing a role in the rise of domestic violence against women. Some men deliberately kill women under the pretext of financial disputes or personal grudges, using honour as an excuse. In traditional societies, women’s behavior is controlled by their relatives, community, and even distant relatives. This wrong tradition has led to women becoming victims of male dominance. Despite laws and traditional customs, the new generation of

We have had a conversation about honor killings with Evin Mustafazadeh. She is a human rights activist and a women’s rights advocate. She is actively involved in the campaign against honor killings and works on honor killings in Kurdistan. She conducts research and journalism on human rights violations and violence against women on human rights websites.

What definition can be given for recent honor killings? What is the difference between honor killings in Iran and developed countries?

To investigate honor killings and the issue of violence against women as a whole, a set of factors in the historical, social, political, and economic context must be taken into consideration, depending on the time and place. Even if we consider it to be rooted in the patriarchal structure of society and the concept of ownership over women. In a way that any murder resulting from the patriarchal structure does not fall under the category of honor killings, because we also see honor killings in relation to men, homosexuals, and members of the LGBTQI community, and that honor killings are also linked to the defined norms of “honor and dignity”. For this reason, addressing honor killings is very complex and, considering the lack of scientific research in this area in Iran, makes it even more difficult to address the issue.

The difference in the rate of honor killings in Iran compared to developed countries lies in the fact that in Iran, we do not have scientific research and accurate studies in this area; whether it is related to the definition of honor killing, its statistics, or the changes that occur in relation to it depending on the time and place. Additionally, many believe that the issue of honor killing is purely “cultural”, but besides the fact that culture is a fluid element and not essentialist, focusing solely on the cultural aspect and reducing it to a cultural issue is a mistake when it comes to honor killings.

What has been the society’s reaction to honor killings?

First, let me say that I believe in recent years, opposition to honor killings (especially regarding women, as Iranian society is still far from the necessary maturity to address issues of homosexuality) has increased, particularly in Kurdistan. This is evident in the increased attention given to this issue by human rights media, as well as condemnation from public opinion on social media. Even women activists and to some extent civil society have become more vocal in condemning the killings of women. For example, we saw active women in Sanandaj and Marivan taking refuge and issuing statements about the killing of Faezeh. These methods of fighting against honor killings are more prevalent in Kurdistan than anywhere else in Iran, but we must understand that women’s issues should be a concern for the entire society, especially the civil society, and not just a movement for women. The lack of involvement of the entire civil society in the fight against violence against women has multiple reasons, such as the dominant view that sees this fight as a women

What is the reason for the resurgence of honor killings? Is it a problem within traditional society or have the patriarchal laws and policies of Iran played a role in their increase?

The factors that perpetuate violence against women in Iranian society are diverse and can vary depending on the specific ethnic group and community. Aggravating factors such as the COVID-19 crisis and the economic and social collapse that the Iranian society is currently facing can contribute to the increase in femicide and violence against women. On the other hand, a brief look at the Iranian laws regarding women reveals that women are not recognized as independent beings due to their “gender” in the legal system, which opens the door to a systematic violence that provides legal permits for violence in all forms, especially the most severe type, which is femicide. The legal structure, aided by patriarchal norms and honor-based discourses, imposes a definition of women and their rights on society. Looking at articles 311, 611, and 612 of the Islamic Penal Code, which pertain to women, it becomes clear that violence against women is permitted through legal channels and anti-women laws, and is justified by patriarchal

What is the rate of honor killings in Iran and in which regions do these killings occur more frequently?

Accurate and official statistics on honor killings in Iran are not generally released by the government. When faced with the lack of accurate and transparent statistics in this area, it shows that no proper investigations or research have been conducted to gain a proper understanding of what is happening in regards to this most violent form of violence, and there is no strategic and comprehensive plan to combat this violence. Unofficial statistics show that there are between 350 to 400 cases of honor killings in Iran annually, and considering what we see annually in regards to these killings, we realize that many of these cases remain hidden and are not even covered by the media. Therefore, we are faced with several obstacles in regards to accurate statistics. In areas where ethnic groups live, especially those who are economically marginalized, there is a direct relationship with an increase in violence, leading to the reproduction of violence in all areas. Taking all of these issues into consideration, it can be said that honor killings exist in both small and large numbers in deprived

What actions should feminist activists take to reduce violence against women?

Fighting against violence against women requires comprehensive and strategic plans in all areas, which is why the United Nations obligates governments to take action in this regard. However, feminist activists and women must organize themselves more effectively to fight against violence against women or any other issue related to women and the feminist movement. They can raise awareness and bring attention to the issue of discrimination and violence against women in society, and hold those responsible accountable through education, enlightenment, protests, and statements. By bringing the voices and situations of women in Iran to international and human rights organizations, they can turn women’s issues into a global concern and increase social responsibility in society to combat it. As we have seen in some cases, women have been able to reduce and combat violence against women by issuing statements, protesting, and seeking refuge in front of courts or neighborhood committees. In recent years, both men and women have been arrested for condemning honor killings, which is a sign of the growth and dynamism of civil society. Currently,

What solutions are there for reducing and combating honor killings?

It must be said that serious and root-level confrontation with social harms and phenomena in any society requires macro-level planning and strategic actions that must be on the agenda of governments. By resorting to short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans, this issue should be addressed in all areas. This is because the main pillars and institutions of every society, such as laws, educational system, social, economic, political, and cultural spheres, are under the control of the government. This is also the reason why the United Nations, with the goal of global peace and recognition of human rights, obliges governments to take strategic actions in relation to gender equality and combating violence against women. However, considering that there is currently no prospect for the development of equal laws and macro mechanisms in our country, Iran, the only way is to involve civil society. The issue of violence against women and its combat must become a universal issue, and the cost of patriarchal violence for the structure and exacerbating factors must be

Thank you for the opportunity you have given us to use the peace line.