Legislation

Throughout this knowledge module, reference to certain provisions or sections of a piece of legislation, part of a legal judgment, or aspect of a practice does not imply that the legislation, judgment, or practice is considered in its entirety to be a good example or a promising practice.

Some of the laws cited herein may contain provisions which authorize the death penalty. In light of the United Nations General Assembly resolutions 62/149, 63/168, 65/206, and 67/176 calling for a moratorium on and ultimate abolition of capital punishment, the death penalty should not be included in sentencing provisions for crimes of violence against women and girls.

Other Provisions Related to Domestic Violence LawsResources for Developing Legislation on Domestic Violence
Sexual Harassment in Sport Tools for Drafting Sexual Harassment Laws and Policies
Immigration Provisions Resources for developing legislation on sex trafficking of women and girls
Child Protection Provisions Resources on Forced and Child Marriage
Other provisions related to dowry-related and domestic violence laws
Related Tools

Core recommended elements of legislation on “honour” crimes

Last edited: February 26, 2011

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  • GUARANTEES of equality between women and men, including within matters pertaining to family relations and sexuality.
  • PROHIBITION against discrimination against women and girls and modification of customs, practices and social and cultural patterns that discriminate against women and girls
  • INTEGRATION of crimes committed in the name of "honour” (hereinafter, “honour” crimes) within a domestic violence legal framework
  • CRIMINALIZATION of “honour” crimes and “honour” killings as separate criminal offenses, including criminalizing aiding, abetting, soliciting, inciting, or conspiring to commit an “honour” crime or killing
  • ELIMINATION of mitigation in sentencing or reduced penalties for “honour” crimes, adultery, domestic femicides and crimes of passion committed against female family members
  • ELIMINATION of criminal defenses based on “honour” or provocation based on adultery
  • INCREASE penalties making an “honour” killings an aggravated murder or first-degree murder
  • TRAININGS for the legal sector, including for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary
  • COORDINATION among relevant sectors in formulating a comprehensive response to “honour” crimes, including among government agencies, law enforcement, the judicial system, educators, health care providers, victim service providers, and civil society organizations
  • PUBLIC awareness initiatives about women’s human rights and applicable legislation
  • PROVISION of a civil order for protection remedy for victims or potential victims of “honour” crimes
  • DATA collection and monitoring of the multi-sectoral response to “honour” crimes

(See: Law and Policy on Honor Killings and Crimes, Stop VAW, Advocates for Human Rights)