Tackling Child Marriage in the Middle East: Challenges and Initiatives

Kuwait raises the minimum marriage age to combat child marriage, a pressing issue affecting children’s rights in conflict-affected areas of the Middle East. With high rates of underage marriages, particularly impacting girls, the repercussions extend beyond individual lives to national economies. Though laws exist to prevent child marriages, exceptions often undermine their effectiveness, particularly in countries facing turmoil such as Yemen and Iraq. Organizations like Oxfam work tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for girls’ rights in the region.

In a significant move to bolster children’s rights, Kuwait has raised the minimum marriage age to 18, addressing the widespread issue of child marriage, especially in areas plagued by conflict in the Arab world. The amendment to the Personal Status Law, enacted in February, noted that there were 1,145 registered underage marriages in 2024, predominantly involving girls. This legislation aligns with Kuwait’s commitments under global treaties aimed at protecting children’s rights.

Child marriage is broadly condemned as a violation of human rights that exacerbates gender inequality. Hadeel Qazzaz, Oxfam’s regional gender coordinator, emphasized the detrimental impacts of child marriage, including hindering girls’ education and empowering choices regarding their bodies and lives. Child brides face increased risks of domestic violence and other abuses, further entrenching cycles of poverty and disadvantage.

According to Human Rights Watch, married girls aged 15 to 19 endure violence at alarming rates, with pregnancy and related complications being the leading cause of death among adolescent girls in developing countries. The socio-economic repercussions of child marriage also extend to national economies, as highlighted by a 2020 IMF study that suggested eliminating child marriage could significantly enhance economic growth in developing nations.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has approximately 40 million child brides, with notable rates observed in conflict-affected countries. In Yemen, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, and Morocco, the prevalence of child marriage remains critically high. Socio-cultural norms, poverty, and legal loopholes contribute to the persistence of this issue. Although minimum marriage laws exist, exceptions often render them ineffective.

Recent legal amendments in Iraq have raised concerns of further entrenching child marriage, allowing for the marriage of girls as young as nine under certain interpretations of Islamic law. Equality Now cautioned that these changes could create a fragmented legal landscape, ultimately undermining existing protections for children and women.

The ongoing conflicts in the MENA region exacerbate vulnerabilities for girls, pushing families towards early marriages as a strategy for survival amid instability. Such conditions are evident in Gaza and Yemen, where the absence of legal frameworks against child marriage persists amid humanitarian crises. Qazzaz noted that economic pressures and increasing conservatism significantly contribute to rising rates of child marriage.

In Sudan, already facing high child marriage rates, the upheaval following the 2023 civil war has worsened the situation. The prolonged conflict has led to mass displacement and declining educational opportunities, placing girls at even greater risk. Similarly, in Syria, the aftermath of the ongoing conflict has escalated child marriage rates from 13 percent before the war to around 41 percent today.

Efforts to combat this disturbing trend are ongoing, with national governments and organizations like Oxfam at the forefront. Oxfam’s initiatives aim to enhance awareness and influence policy, particularly through their partnership with the Girls Not Brides campaign. Qazzaz reaffirmed their commitment to raising the minimum marriage age and challenging the societal norms that condone child marriage.

The increase in child marriage rates across the Middle East underscores the urgent need to address the socio-cultural, legal, and economic factors contributing to this violation of human rights. Kuwait’s recent legislative change is a positive step, yet conflict zones like Yemen, Iraq, and Sudan illustrate the complexity of eradicating child marriage in a region marred by instability. Continuous advocacy, legal reforms, and community engagement are essential to protect the rights and futures of vulnerable girls.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com