The practice of honour crimes is said to be becoming more widespread in the south west of Finland, where the country’s largest immigrant population has settled.
Immigrant women in the southwest Uusimaa district, west of Helsinki, have recently come under the scrutiny of the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare, with the local chapter receiving information onrelating to around 100 alleged honour crimes in the past three years.
This number is stillcontinuing to grow according to the League, and while there are no concrete statistics on honour crimes, there are concerns that the reported incidents are merely a fraction of the true number. Most of the instances where the League is contacted related to schooling and child welfare, according to YLE.
“Many people find it difficult to speak about this issue with their clients. Hopefully this will provide guidance on what to ask, how to discuss the matter, and what kinds of consequences there might be,” said the League’s project manager, Marjo van Dijke. She expressed hopes that a new information pack made available online will help address the emerging trend.
The League’s website also contains advice for local Finns on immigrant beliefs, as many young friends of immigrant girls find difficulty understanding some of the apparent lack of freedom given to them. Finnish men are also being targeted by the web campaign, as many are seen to have an interest in immigrant women but a lack of understanding of how and why honour crimes occur.
Honour crimes generally involve physical violence or dress code restrictions, in addition to rules about relationships and even hobbies. The practice exists not only in some immigrant groups but also often extends into multi-cultural families.
I love Iceland and I’m sorry this country is undergoing such trouble – first the economic crisis and now the volcano. If anyone can unearth themselves from such calamaties, I know the Icelanders can.
I visited this beautiful country in December 1996. It was only a 4-day stay and yet, 14 years later, I’m still talking about it. I visited all kinds of neat places, including the Blue Lagoon, and I ate some fabulous food. I stayed at the Esja Hotel (which I donh’t think is around anymore) and just had a wonderful time. When I retire, I plan to travel and Iceland will be my 1st destination. I promise I’ll read the Sagas first, however!
Stay strong, Icelanders! There’s one American, at least, who is praying for you.
Rosemary: Sorry, but this news is about Finland, not Iceland.