EDM 1672: National Day of Memory for Victims of Honour-Based Abuse, 14 July

That this House recognises the National Day of Memory for Victims of Honour-Based Abuse on 14 July as an opportunity for remembrance, reflection and collective action in commemoration of those that have lost their lives due to honour-based abuse; commemorates with profound sadness that the day falls on the birthday of Shafilea Ahmed, a young woman who was murdered for bringing perceived shame on her family; is alarmed that honour-based abuse remains largely hidden and underreported and can involve many different elements including domestic abuse, coercion, violence and murder; reaffirms that everyone should be able to live free from abuse and expresses solidarity with survivors; reiterates calls to establish a statutory definition of honour-based abuse to ensure consistent recording, prosecution, and prevention efforts; and calls on the Government to ensure sustainable and long-term funding at the level needed for services, including specialist services, so that every survivor can access the lifesaving support they need, when they need it.