Bekhal Mahmod, sister of Banaz Mahmod who was murdered in an honour killing 20 years ago, has expressed fears that the current migration debate in the UK could deter victims of honour-based abuse from coming forward. Speaking after years of campaigning for new legislation, Bekhal said she worries that anti-immigrant sentiment may prevent women from seeking help.
Banaz Mahmod was 20 years old when she was killed by her father and uncle in 2006 after leaving an arranged marriage. She had reported threats to the police but was dismissed as manipulative. Bekhal testified against her relatives in 2007 and has since lived under a new identity, constantly looking over her shoulder.
Campaigners are pushing for 'Banaz's law', which would create statutory guidance on honour-based abuse and recognise it as an aggravating factor in sentencing. Peers recently tabled amendments to the crime and policing bill urging the government to adopt the proposals, which ministers have said they will consider.
Bekhal said the climate of rising anti-immigrant sentiment could prevent women from coming forward. Sanskriti Sanghi of Southall Black Sisters, which is advocating for the law, said violence against women is being weaponised by the far right to further a racist agenda, damaging trust in the system.
Justice minister Alison Levitt said the government would introduce statutory guidance and a definition of honour-based abuse but needed to ensure it captures the range of abuse without unintended consequences. Campaigners also want the government to extend domestic abuse protections to all migrant women regardless of immigration status.
