Honour-Related Violence and Children's Right to Physical and Psychological Integrity

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article discusses the protection children subjected to honour-related violence are entitled to under international human rights law. The issue is examined from the perspective of the practical and effective implementation of the right to physical and psychological integrity. In ensuring this right, relevant authorities must take the child’s right to family life into consideration, which may require specific measures to ensure a safe home environment in the long term. In cases of honour-related violence, this arguably entails addressing attitudes of family members that uphold violence, notably attitudes towards what is considered acceptable social behaviour for girls and boys and how the family can uphold its honour without resorting to violence. An obligation to support parents in such a manner can be held to exist under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, but has not yet been advanced by the European Court of Human Rights.