Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London, will highlight the need for action on so-called honour based violence at the launch of a new training DVD about the issue this Friday.

The film, titled For Honour and Love, has been produced by the Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation in collaboration with 18 And Under and the Nationwide Foundation and explores the shocking aspects of honour based violence, such as the threat of honour killing, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and issues relating to isolation and control.

Jean said:

“Honour based violence can take many forms, be it physical, psychological, sexual or emotional and it affects thousands of women every day, women who are forced to suffer in silence through fear of further persecution.

“We need to challenge the attitudes that consider such heinous crimes to be acceptable. People cannot hide behind culture belief or practice: culture can change.

“We all have the right to feel safe and free from abuse and I applaud the KMEWO for having the conviction to speak out about this often taboo subject and produce resources such as For Honour and Love that will encourage women to come forward and seek help.”

Note to Editors

* The launch of For Honour and Love takes place at Amnesty International UK, The Human Rights Action Centre, New Inn Yard, London on Friday, March 26, 3-6pm.

* For more information about KMEWO visit http://www.kmewo.org

Jean Lambert is one of eight MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament. Jean was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London in the 1999 European elections and was re-elected in 2004 and 2009.