International Human Rights Law and Crimes Against Women in Turkey: Legislation on So-Called Honour Killings

This book evaluates the effectiveness of current international human rights law, particularly the Istanbul Convention, in eradicating so-called honor killings in Turkey. It argues that the improvement of women's status and the application of the principle of state due diligence are fundamental means to eradicate the practice. It also identifies gaps in Turkish legislation that allow inadequate legal protection for women and inconsistencies in the judicial approach to defining honor killings. The study recommends concrete amendments to the relevant legal provisions to better reflect the international framework and feminist approaches.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book evaluates the effectiveness of current international human rights law, particularly the recent Istanbul Convention, in eradicating the practice of so-called "honor killings" in Turkey. Honor killings, a deeply rooted cultural phenomenon, have garnered significant attention from the international community due to their detrimental impact on women's rights and lives. Despite the adoption of various human rights instruments, including the Istanbul Convention, the practice continues to persist in Turkey, particularly among certain communities and social groups.

The book argues that the improvement of women's status in Turkey, in line with gender equality principles, and the implementation of the principle of state due diligence, as required by the Istanbul Convention and international human rights law, are fundamental means to combat honor killings. By employing feminist approaches, particularly the intersectionality approach, the study examines the application of these standards and the current obstacles encountered in their implementation.

Through this lens, the study discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the Turkish Constitution, Turkish Civil Code, Turkish Penal Code, and Law to Protect Family and Prevent Violence Against Women. It raises critical questions about the judicial approach to the protection of women's right to life and the definition of honor killings in judgements. The study identifies gaps in Turkish legislation that fail to provide adequate legal protection for women and the inconsistency in the judicial approach to defining honor killings.

Based on these findings, the study recommends concrete amendments to the relevant legal provisions to better align with the international framework and feminist approaches. The book will serve as a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and policy-makers in the fields of international human rights law and feminist legal theory. It sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced in combating honor killings and provides insights into potential solutions to promote women's rights and gender equality in Turkey.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367551070