Latest items for MARR-LAW-1
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:18 p.m.
Countries: Nigeria
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Some countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania still allow for marriages under 18 in contradiction with the Maputo Protocol. The laws in these countries also often have discriminatory provisions allowing girls to marry at lower ages than boys” (9).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Some countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania still allow for marriages under 18 in contradiction with the Maputo Protocol. The laws in these countries also often have discriminatory provisions allowing girls to marry at lower ages than boys” (9).
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:17 p.m.
Countries: Senegal
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Some countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania still allow for marriages under 18 in contradiction with the Maputo Protocol. The laws in these countries also often have discriminatory provisions allowing girls to marry at lower ages than boys” (9). “Article 18 of the 2001 Constitution further states that ‘[f]orced marriage is a violation of individual liberty’. It also states that forced marriage ‘is forbidden and punished within the conditions established by law’. Forced marriage is also banned by Article 108 of the Family Code. Concerning property, Article 19 provides that the woman has the right to have her own estate, which she has the right...more
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Some countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania still allow for marriages under 18 in contradiction with the Maputo Protocol. The laws in these countries also often have discriminatory provisions allowing girls to marry at lower ages than boys” (9). “Article 18 of the 2001 Constitution further states that ‘[f]orced marriage is a violation of individual liberty’. It also states that forced marriage ‘is forbidden and punished within the conditions established by law’. Forced marriage is also banned by Article 108 of the Family Code. Concerning property, Article 19 provides that the woman has the right to have her own estate, which she has the right...more
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:15 p.m.
Countries: Algeria
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Other countries, such as Algeria, Angola and Tunisia, while setting the legal age of marriage at 18, provide for exceptions either under civil or customary law, under certain conditions such as assessment of the aptitude of both parties, parental or legal representatives’ consent, public or family interest, pregnancy or permission from the Minister. These laws violate the best interest of the child; and are not in line with the Maputo Protocol that provides for prohibition of marriages under the age of 18 without exception” (9).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Other countries, such as Algeria, Angola and Tunisia, while setting the legal age of marriage at 18, provide for exceptions either under civil or customary law, under certain conditions such as assessment of the aptitude of both parties, parental or legal representatives’ consent, public or family interest, pregnancy or permission from the Minister. These laws violate the best interest of the child; and are not in line with the Maputo Protocol that provides for prohibition of marriages under the age of 18 without exception” (9).
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:13 p.m.
Countries: Burundi
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Burundi and Côte d’Ivoire recognise only civil marriages and Tunisia recognises only marriages under its Code of Personal Status Laws” (9). “Concerning marriage, the Constitution protects the rights of women as demonstrated in the section above. The Law on the Protection of Victims and the Prevention and Punishment of Sexual and Gender-based Violence provides for several safeguards for women in the family. For instance, Article 38 provides for the punishment of anyone who kidnaps a girl for marrying her or to have her married. Article 39 criminalises forced marriage, including the forced marriage of widows to their step-brother, step-father, or the husband of a deceased sister. Article 59 further protects...more
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Burundi and Côte d’Ivoire recognise only civil marriages and Tunisia recognises only marriages under its Code of Personal Status Laws” (9). “Concerning marriage, the Constitution protects the rights of women as demonstrated in the section above. The Law on the Protection of Victims and the Prevention and Punishment of Sexual and Gender-based Violence provides for several safeguards for women in the family. For instance, Article 38 provides for the punishment of anyone who kidnaps a girl for marrying her or to have her married. Article 39 criminalises forced marriage, including the forced marriage of widows to their step-brother, step-father, or the husband of a deceased sister. Article 59 further protects...more
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:11 p.m.
Countries: Tunisia
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Other countries, such as Algeria, Angola and Tunisia, while setting the legal age of marriage at 18, provide for exceptions either under civil or customary law, under certain conditions such as assessment of the aptitude of both parties, parental or legal representatives’ consent, public or family interest, pregnancy or permission from the Minister. These laws violate the best interest of the child; and are not in line with the Maputo Protocol that provides for prohibition of marriages under the age of 18 without exception” (9). “Burundi and Côte d’Ivoire recognise only civil marriages and Tunisia recognises only marriages under its Code of Personal Status Laws” (9).“Book 1 on Marriage, of...more
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Other countries, such as Algeria, Angola and Tunisia, while setting the legal age of marriage at 18, provide for exceptions either under civil or customary law, under certain conditions such as assessment of the aptitude of both parties, parental or legal representatives’ consent, public or family interest, pregnancy or permission from the Minister. These laws violate the best interest of the child; and are not in line with the Maputo Protocol that provides for prohibition of marriages under the age of 18 without exception” (9). “Burundi and Côte d’Ivoire recognise only civil marriages and Tunisia recognises only marriages under its Code of Personal Status Laws” (9).“Book 1 on Marriage, of...more
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:09 p.m.
Countries: Gambia
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1, MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1, MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9).
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:08 p.m.
Countries: Tanzania
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Some countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania still allow for marriages under 18 in contradiction with the Maputo Protocol. The laws in these countries also often have discriminatory provisions allowing girls to marry at lower ages than boys” (9).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Some countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania still allow for marriages under 18 in contradiction with the Maputo Protocol. The laws in these countries also often have discriminatory provisions allowing girls to marry at lower ages than boys” (9).
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:08 p.m.
Countries: Sudan
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Some countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania still allow for marriages under 18 in contradiction with the Maputo Protocol. The laws in these countries also often have discriminatory provisions allowing girls to marry at lower ages than boys” (9). “(ii) Forced marriage: A woman does not enter into marriage of her own accord. Instead, a male, mature, and sane Muslim man must conclude marriage on her behalf, with her express or implicit consent. This provision leaves room for forced marriage, without true consent of the woman. The guardian system also deprives women of autonomy in their personal relationships” (77).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Some countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania still allow for marriages under 18 in contradiction with the Maputo Protocol. The laws in these countries also often have discriminatory provisions allowing girls to marry at lower ages than boys” (9). “(ii) Forced marriage: A woman does not enter into marriage of her own accord. Instead, a male, mature, and sane Muslim man must conclude marriage on her behalf, with her express or implicit consent. This provision leaves room for forced marriage, without true consent of the woman. The guardian system also deprives women of autonomy in their personal relationships” (77).
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:07 p.m.
Countries: South Sudan
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“South Sudan for instance, the Constitution obliges courts to apply customary law subject to the provisions of the Constitution and the law. Due to the lack of statutory law and the Constitution’s recognition of South Sudan’s plural legal system, family law is governed by the custom of the large number of ethnic groups in South Sudan.This leads to significant problems such as: ► No minimum age of marriage under customary law. ► Polygamy is legal for men. ► Divorce is generally easier for men to obtain. ► Women are often deprived of an equitable share in property upon divorce or deprived of inheritance upon the death of their husbands. ►...more
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“South Sudan for instance, the Constitution obliges courts to apply customary law subject to the provisions of the Constitution and the law. Due to the lack of statutory law and the Constitution’s recognition of South Sudan’s plural legal system, family law is governed by the custom of the large number of ethnic groups in South Sudan.This leads to significant problems such as: ► No minimum age of marriage under customary law. ► Polygamy is legal for men. ► Divorce is generally easier for men to obtain. ► Women are often deprived of an equitable share in property upon divorce or deprived of inheritance upon the death of their husbands. ►...more
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:01 p.m.
Countries: Mozambique
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9).
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:59 p.m.
Countries: Malawi
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9).
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:58 p.m.
Countries: Kenya
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1, MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1, MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9).
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:56 p.m.
Countries: Egypt
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1, MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1, MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9).
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:55 p.m.
Countries: D R Congo
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage" (9).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage" (9).
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:54 p.m.
Countries: Cote D'Ivoire
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9). “Burundi and Côte d’Ivoire recognise only civil marriages and Tunisia recognises only marriages under...more
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Since the Maputo Protocol, that clearly prohibits marriage under the age of 18, was adopted, many of the countries studied have engaged in law reforms. Some of them, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and The Gambia have an absolute ban on marriage under the age of 18. Despite the legal ban, child marriage is still prevalent in some of these countries and more needs to be done to sensitise communities on the law and the dangers of child marriage; and to address the root causes of child marriage” (9). “Burundi and Côte d’Ivoire recognise only civil marriages and Tunisia recognises only marriages under...more
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:48 p.m.
Countries: Cameroon
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Some countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania still allow for marriages under 18 in contradiction with the Maputo Protocol. The laws in these countries also often have discriminatory provisions allowing girls to marry at lower ages than boys” (9).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Some countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania still allow for marriages under 18 in contradiction with the Maputo Protocol. The laws in these countries also often have discriminatory provisions allowing girls to marry at lower ages than boys” (9).
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:46 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1, MARR-LAW-1
“The Children’s Act 2009 has, besides conferring for the first time explicit rights on children, also contributed to the reform of family law in general. The Children’s Act prohibits forced marriages of children and the Marriage Act 2001 sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 years, without any exception. However, customary and religious marriages are excluded from the scope of the Marriage Act. Previously, the general rules were that custody of children of tender age should be given to the mother, custody of a son should be given to a father and that of a daughter to the mother and custody of a child should not be given to...more
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1, MARR-LAW-1
“The Children’s Act 2009 has, besides conferring for the first time explicit rights on children, also contributed to the reform of family law in general. The Children’s Act prohibits forced marriages of children and the Marriage Act 2001 sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 years, without any exception. However, customary and religious marriages are excluded from the scope of the Marriage Act. Previously, the general rules were that custody of children of tender age should be given to the mother, custody of a son should be given to a father and that of a daughter to the mother and custody of a child should not be given to...more
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:44 p.m.
Countries: Angola
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Other countries, such as Algeria, Angola and Tunisia, while setting the legal age of marriage at 18, provide for exceptions either under civil or customary law, under certain conditions such as assessment of the aptitude of both parties, parental or legal representatives’ consent, public or family interest, pregnancy or permission from the Minister. These laws violate the best interest of the child; and are not in line with the Maputo Protocol that provides for prohibition of marriages under the age of 18 without exception” (9).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
“Other countries, such as Algeria, Angola and Tunisia, while setting the legal age of marriage at 18, provide for exceptions either under civil or customary law, under certain conditions such as assessment of the aptitude of both parties, parental or legal representatives’ consent, public or family interest, pregnancy or permission from the Minister. These laws violate the best interest of the child; and are not in line with the Maputo Protocol that provides for prohibition of marriages under the age of 18 without exception” (9).
Aug. 4, 2026, 6:36 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"The decree [on judicial separation of spouses issued by the Taliban leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada] also legalises child marriage. It allows male relatives to marry off children and says that once those children reach puberty, they may ask a court to nullify the marriage in limited circumstances" (para 10). "The Taliban’s new code [on judicial separation of spouses issued by the Taliban leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada] follows much of this older framework but makes several stark changes. It explicitly allows children to be given in marriage at any age. It also forces women whose husbands are missing to wait until they are presumed dead before they can be separated. Part of the...more
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"The decree [on judicial separation of spouses issued by the Taliban leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada] also legalises child marriage. It allows male relatives to marry off children and says that once those children reach puberty, they may ask a court to nullify the marriage in limited circumstances" (para 10). "The Taliban’s new code [on judicial separation of spouses issued by the Taliban leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada] follows much of this older framework but makes several stark changes. It explicitly allows children to be given in marriage at any age. It also forces women whose husbands are missing to wait until they are presumed dead before they can be separated. Part of the...more
June 23, 2026, 8:13 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"The Taliban has introduced a new family law with no minimum age for marriage, prompting warnings from rights groups that the rules risk normalising child weddings in Afghanistan" (para 1). "The document [referring to the new law on no minimum age of marriage] states that the silence of a 'virgin girl' is interpreted as consent to marriage, whereas the same silence from a male or previously married woman is not. And in Afghanistan, where women and girls are unlikely to speak out for fear of punishment, the new legislation risks leaving many girls trapped" (para 13-14).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"The Taliban has introduced a new family law with no minimum age for marriage, prompting warnings from rights groups that the rules risk normalising child weddings in Afghanistan" (para 1). "The document [referring to the new law on no minimum age of marriage] states that the silence of a 'virgin girl' is interpreted as consent to marriage, whereas the same silence from a male or previously married woman is not. And in Afghanistan, where women and girls are unlikely to speak out for fear of punishment, the new legislation risks leaving many girls trapped" (para 13-14).
June 15, 2026, 4:01 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: RCDW-LAW-2, MARR-LAW-1
"Since its return to power, the government has enforced a litany of repressive policies, including endorsing the forced marriages of minors to adults, banning women from entering hospitals if they aren't wearing the burka and barring women from education in schools and universities" (para 18).
Variables: RCDW-LAW-2, MARR-LAW-1
"Since its return to power, the government has enforced a litany of repressive policies, including endorsing the forced marriages of minors to adults, banning women from entering hospitals if they aren't wearing the burka and barring women from education in schools and universities" (para 18).
May 23, 2026, 6:18 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"Child marriage appears to have been legally recognised for the first time by the Taliban in Afghanistan, as activists say “shameful” new laws make it almost impossible for girls and young women to seek divorce against their husbands’ will" (para 1). "There is no ban on child marriage in Afghanistan under the Taliban, but a new law on divorce approved last week appears to suggest that a girl who later says she was married against her will would not be permitted a divorce if her husband disagrees. The new law [on child marriage] also appears to suggest that a woman cannot divorce her husband solely on the grounds of his...more
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"Child marriage appears to have been legally recognised for the first time by the Taliban in Afghanistan, as activists say “shameful” new laws make it almost impossible for girls and young women to seek divorce against their husbands’ will" (para 1). "There is no ban on child marriage in Afghanistan under the Taliban, but a new law on divorce approved last week appears to suggest that a girl who later says she was married against her will would not be permitted a divorce if her husband disagrees. The new law [on child marriage] also appears to suggest that a woman cannot divorce her husband solely on the grounds of his...more
May 20, 2026, 3:37 p.m.
Countries: United Kingdom
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"“With the help of her girlfriend, she escaped and applied for a forced marriage protection order (FMPO) and eventually managed to be housed safely in a secret location. Today she is rebuilding a life with her girlfriend.” FMPOs are civil injunctions intended to stop forced marriages issued by family courts. Legislation that made it illegal to force someone into marriage in England and Wales was introduced in 2014 and anyone found guilty of doing so can be imprisoned for up to seven years" (para 9-10).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"“With the help of her girlfriend, she escaped and applied for a forced marriage protection order (FMPO) and eventually managed to be housed safely in a secret location. Today she is rebuilding a life with her girlfriend.” FMPOs are civil injunctions intended to stop forced marriages issued by family courts. Legislation that made it illegal to force someone into marriage in England and Wales was introduced in 2014 and anyone found guilty of doing so can be imprisoned for up to seven years" (para 9-10).
April 24, 2026, 6:02 a.m.
Countries: Iraq
Variables: MARR-LAW-1, DTCP-LAW-1
"This terrible change [of reduced legal age of marriage for Iraqi girls due to the more authority given to Islaic courts] took place last year, when Iraq’s parliament increased the authority of Islamic courts over all family matters, including marriage – the minimum age for which was previously set at 18 – divorce and inheritance. Under the Jaafari school of Islamic law followed by many religious authorities in my [Iraqi female narrator] country, this could mean nine-year-old girls being given away to men decades older" (para 6-7).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1, DTCP-LAW-1
"This terrible change [of reduced legal age of marriage for Iraqi girls due to the more authority given to Islaic courts] took place last year, when Iraq’s parliament increased the authority of Islamic courts over all family matters, including marriage – the minimum age for which was previously set at 18 – divorce and inheritance. Under the Jaafari school of Islamic law followed by many religious authorities in my [Iraqi female narrator] country, this could mean nine-year-old girls being given away to men decades older" (para 6-7).
March 9, 2026, 2:06 p.m.
Countries: Iraq
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"In January, Iraq passed an amendment to its personal status law, which allows citizens to choose sect-specific religious courts to oversee their marriage affairs. This came after years of lobbying from Shia political parties to opt out of Iraq’s civil law, which has legally protected against underage marriage since the 1950s" (para 3). This information shows that legal changes permit marriages to be governed outside civil law, reducing safeguards related to consent and minimum age (MR-CODER COMMENT). "The state has now introduced Ja’fari law, an 8th-century religious jurisprudence specifically for Shias, who are the religious majority in southern Iraq. A judge can permit child marriage based on perceived 'maturity and...more
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"In January, Iraq passed an amendment to its personal status law, which allows citizens to choose sect-specific religious courts to oversee their marriage affairs. This came after years of lobbying from Shia political parties to opt out of Iraq’s civil law, which has legally protected against underage marriage since the 1950s" (para 3). This information shows that legal changes permit marriages to be governed outside civil law, reducing safeguards related to consent and minimum age (MR-CODER COMMENT). "The state has now introduced Ja’fari law, an 8th-century religious jurisprudence specifically for Shias, who are the religious majority in southern Iraq. A judge can permit child marriage based on perceived 'maturity and...more
Feb. 6, 2026, 12:01 p.m.
Countries: Pakistan
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"A new law banning child marriage in Pakistan has been criticised by a prominent council for being 'un-Islamic'" (para 1). This information shows the law banning child marriage provides legal protection against forced unions involving girls who cannot consent (MR-CODER COMMENT). "The regional government in the Pakistani province of Sindh passed a Marriage Restraint Act back in 2013 that outlawed marriage under the age of 18, but it remains the only province to have done so" (para 21). This information implies that, by prohibiting marriage under 18, the Sindh law offers legal protection against coerced or forced marriages involving minors (MR-CODER COMMENT). "Pakistan has committed to ending child, early and...more
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"A new law banning child marriage in Pakistan has been criticised by a prominent council for being 'un-Islamic'" (para 1). This information shows the law banning child marriage provides legal protection against forced unions involving girls who cannot consent (MR-CODER COMMENT). "The regional government in the Pakistani province of Sindh passed a Marriage Restraint Act back in 2013 that outlawed marriage under the age of 18, but it remains the only province to have done so" (para 21). This information implies that, by prohibiting marriage under 18, the Sindh law offers legal protection against coerced or forced marriages involving minors (MR-CODER COMMENT). "Pakistan has committed to ending child, early and...more
Jan. 9, 2026, 12:50 p.m.
Countries: United States
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"California allows children of any age to marry, as long as at least one parent and a judge approve" (1)."I’ve examined the marriage certificate [of 14-year-old Brigitte Combs to a 37-year-old man], and it shows that the judge was Becky Sierra. The certificate lists the ages and birth dates of bride and groom, so there was no uncertainty about the age gap. I called Sierra, and she didn’t remember the case. But she told me that she felt she was obliged to marry a minor when a parent signed the forms. “I probably overstepped just by asking” if there was consent, Sierra said, adding that she had never heard of...more
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"California allows children of any age to marry, as long as at least one parent and a judge approve" (1)."I’ve examined the marriage certificate [of 14-year-old Brigitte Combs to a 37-year-old man], and it shows that the judge was Becky Sierra. The certificate lists the ages and birth dates of bride and groom, so there was no uncertainty about the age gap. I called Sierra, and she didn’t remember the case. But she told me that she felt she was obliged to marry a minor when a parent signed the forms. “I probably overstepped just by asking” if there was consent, Sierra said, adding that she had never heard of...more
Jan. 5, 2026, 11:53 a.m.
Countries: United Kingdom
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"[Forced marriage] became illegal in the UK in 2014 as part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime andPolicing Act and can result in a prison sentence of up to seven years" (1).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"[Forced marriage] became illegal in the UK in 2014 as part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime andPolicing Act and can result in a prison sentence of up to seven years" (1).
Dec. 30, 2025, 5:37 p.m.
Countries: United Kingdom
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"The Scottish Government consultation will also consider whether the current forced marriage offence should be updated to criminalise conduct intended to cause a person under 18 to marry or enter a civil partnership" (para 25).
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"The Scottish Government consultation will also consider whether the current forced marriage offence should be updated to criminalise conduct intended to cause a person under 18 to marry or enter a civil partnership" (para 25).
Nov. 26, 2025, 8:16 p.m.
Countries: Saudi Arabia
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"The Personal Status Courts [in Saudi Arabia] consider marriage requests for those who do not have a guardian, and for those who have guardians, but whose guardians prevent them from getting married. Preventing a woman from marriage is prohibited, as well as Forcing a woman to marry someone with whom she disagrees. 'Alshighar', which is the agreement of two men to marry the women under their guardianship, is prohibited, too. Forcing a woman to marry someone with whom she does not agree, and forbidding her from marrying someone who meets the recognized conditions, is impermissible and forbidden according to Shari'a. Forcing a woman to marry someone whom she does not...more
Variables: MARR-LAW-1
"The Personal Status Courts [in Saudi Arabia] consider marriage requests for those who do not have a guardian, and for those who have guardians, but whose guardians prevent them from getting married. Preventing a woman from marriage is prohibited, as well as Forcing a woman to marry someone with whom she disagrees. 'Alshighar', which is the agreement of two men to marry the women under their guardianship, is prohibited, too. Forcing a woman to marry someone with whom she does not agree, and forbidding her from marrying someone who meets the recognized conditions, is impermissible and forbidden according to Shari'a. Forcing a woman to marry someone whom she does not...more