As per the BBC, an honor killing is “the murder of a person accused of bringing shame upon his or her family.” The act occurs worldwide but is particularly prevalent in Asia and Africa. An honor killing or crime — with violence but not murder — often occurs with young girls and women. Victims are sometimes “killed for refusing to enter a marriage, committing adultery or being in a relationship that [displeases] their relatives.” The origins of the act are believed to stem from tribal customs.

Jordan has one of the highest rates of honor crimes in the world. According to Human Rights Watch, around 15 to 20 women are reportedly killed each year in the name of family honor. As a countermeasure, Jordanian authorities place women and girls who are at risk into “protective custody.” This often means imprisonment without charge for an indefinite period of time. These victims are left with no choice but to accept their fate.

Honor is the New Black – Fair Observer