Demystifying the Culture and Causes of Honor Killings in Canada

Abstract

The chapter aims to unfold the mishaps of honor killings in the Canadian context comprising its key causes, and issues leading to honor-based offenses against the women in the family. Although, honor killings in Canada are rare to notice, but are prevalent majorly due to immigrant communities. The chapter also demystifies the case studies which witnessed honor killings in Canada. The Shafia case which is one of the landmark cases of the honor killing in Kingston, Canada led to the painful demise of three daughters and the first wife of Mohd. Shafia. Furthermore, it also explores the Canadian media reports on honor killing and how they create a biased view regarding the incidents surrounding these crimes in the public domain. In conclusion, several ways are highlighted upon which the Canadian government should act in order to diminish the prevalence of honor-based violence throughout Canada such as introducing effective immigration policies and making aware the youth of the laws concerning gender equality, freedom, and fairness.