'Honour killings' more than double in Sudan

'Honour killings' more than double in Sudan
October 13, 2022, 10:00 am

Sudan-Protests in Sudan/Shutterstock

Campaigners and officials in Sudan are concerned about a rise in so-called honour killings, the BBC reported.

So far this year at least 11 young women have been killed by family members, more than double last year's total - though the real number is thought to be much higher, it said.

In some cases women have been killed for using a smartphone, with a relative suspecting they were sending messages to a boyfriend. Relationships before marriage are illegal in Sudan.

The government's efforts to deal with the issue are being hampered by the ongoing instability in the country, particularly since the military coup last year.

Sulaima Ishaq Al Khalifa, the director general of the government's Combatting Violence Against Women unit, says fathers involved in the killings get light sentences because they are considered to be the breadwinners of their families.

Relationships before marriage are illegal in Sudan - Photo. Facebook page

She told the BBC Newsday programme that "honour killings" were not embedded within Sudan's society, but there was suspicion that religious extremism was behind the recent surge.

Sudanese protesters reach Republican Palace, demand civilian rule

Honor killing involves the murder of a woman or girl by male family members. It is also known as shame killing, and it is often connected to religion, caste and other forms of hierarchical social stratification, or to sexuality.

The killers justify their actions by claiming that the victim has brought dishonor upon the family name, reputation or prestige.

levantnews-BBC

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