The Iraqi parliament has passed a controversial law allowing marriage for children as young as nine, igniting outrage among MPs and women's rights activists. Critics assert that this law effectively legalizes child rape and severely undermines both women's and children's rights. The law grants religious authorities control over family matters, including marriage and custody, thereby revoking a long-standing ban on child marriage. Many fear its retroactive application on court cases, impacting alimony and custody rights. Activists note that existing societal issues surrounding child marriage will be exacerbated, with desperate families now facing the grim consequences of this legislative action.
Activists say the new law permitting children as young as nine to marry in Iraq will legalize child rape and threatens women's and children's rights.
Under the newly passed law, religious authorities will have the power to decide on family affairs, including marriage, a significant setback for women's rights in the country.
Mohammed Juma stated, "We have reached the end of women's rights and the end of children's rights in Iraq," emphasizing the severity of the law's impact.
Activists warn that the law may be applied retroactively to previous court cases, drastically affecting existing rights to alimony and child custody.
Collection
[
|
...
]