Forgotten Victims: Male Honor Killings in Muslim Societies

Abstract

Honor killings, while predominantly affecting women, also claim the lives of men under specific circumstances in the Muslim world. Recent cases from various regions highlight this disturbing reality. In Lebanon, a man was killed with his wife and relatives in a mass honor killing, reflecting the severe consequences men face due to familial disputes. Pakistan grapples with high-profile cases such as the murder of Daraz Khan, along with his girlfriend, ordered by local clerics, illustrating the lethal intersection of honor and religious decrees. In Algeria, historical and ongoing instances of honor killings, including those targeting men, demonstrate deep-rooted cultural norms perpetuating these acts of violence. Sudan also reports cases where men are targeted in honor killings related to family honor and societal expectations. Despite legal reforms in countries like Jordan, Sudan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, enforcement remains inconsistent. This paper explores the historical and sociological roots of honor killings, examines modern incidents involving male victims, and analyzes the effectiveness of legal responses.