Final answer:
The United Nations combats honor killings through human rights advocacy and legal mechanisms like the International Criminal Court, as a part of its commitment to eradicate violence and uphold human rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the United Nations and honor killings, what is often referred to is the international body's efforts to combat and eradicate such practices through human rights advocacy and legal frameworks. While the term 'honor killings' is not explicitly mentioned in the question, this is typically what is insinuated when discussing violent crimes justified by perpetrators as a means of protecting or restoring the 'honor' of a family or community, often at the expense of women's and girls' lives.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights advocates against all forms of violence, including honor killings, which can be seen as contravening the basic human rights principles outlined by the UN. The formation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the adoption of the Responsibility to Protect framework are significant steps by the UN to address such criminal acts, including genocide, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity that may encompass honor killings. Despite the UN's intent and legal mechanisms in place, there are recognized challenges in enforcing these standards within sovereign states.
Incidents like Boko Haram's abduction of schoolgirls and the sexual abuse of Rohingya and Uyghur women highlight the ongoing struggle against such practices. The UN's role encompasses documenting these crimes, advocating for the victims' rights, and calling upon the international community to act in solidarity against violations of human rights.