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ANKARA, Turkey, May 24, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The United Nations is investigating the sharp rise in suicides by women in Turkey to see if any of them are being forced to kill themselves by their families.
The investigation by U.N. envoy Yakin Erturk will focus on claims the high suicide rates are linked to tougher laws against honor crimes which in turn are encouraging some families to order the women to take their own lives to protect family honor, reports the BBC.
Erturk will visit four cities during her 10-day fact-finding mission in Southeastern Turkey, where 36 women have reportedly attempted suicide this year. The figure is more than was reported for the whole of last year, the BBC said.
Among the measure to fight the problem, the government is seeking to raise public awareness on domestic violence and mosques have been instructed to preach against honor crimes.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
