Kuwait has raised the minimum marriage age to 18 to combat child marriage. Despite this positive step, the phenomenon persists in the Arab region, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Alarmingly high marriage rates among minors are linked to wider issues of gender inequality and societal norms, creating urgent challenges that require comprehensive approaches and reforms.
In a move indicative of ongoing efforts to safeguard children’s rights, Kuwait has recently set the minimum marriage age to 18. This decisive action arises amid concerns regarding high child marriage rates within the Arab region, particularly in areas affected by conflict. The modifications to Kuwait’s Personal Status Law and Jaafari Personal Status Law were prompted by the alarming 1,145 registered underage marriages in 2024, predominantly involving girls.
These legislative changes are in line with international commitments, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. These conventions underscore that child marriage is not only a detrimental tradition but also a violation of fundamental human rights that exacerbates gender inequality, predominantly impacting girls.
Hadeel Qazzaz, Oxfam’s Middle East North Africa regional gender coordinator, emphasized the broader implications of child marriage, stating, “Child marriage is a human rights violation. It impacts the life of the child.” She highlighted that such practices strip girls of educational and employment opportunities and impede their decision-making power. The repercussions extend beyond the young individuals, also affecting their families and future generations.
Human Rights Watch reports that underage brides face heightened risk of domestic violence, marital rape, and limited access to essential healthcare and education. UN agencies reveal that an astonishing 70 percent of girls between 15 and 19 endure some form of violence from their husbands.
Complications related to pregnancy and childbirth represent the leading cause of death for adolescent females in developing countries, with younger girls facing significantly higher risks. The burden of early marriage often limits educational access, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Economic analyses indicate that curbing child marriage may substantially benefit the economies of the region. A 2020 International Monetary Fund study suggested that abolishing child marriage could lead to a long-term boost in annual per capita GDP growth.
Despite formal efforts to address the crisis, child marriage remains prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa, with Yemen having the highest rate at 30 percent. UNICEF reports an alarming 40 million child brides in the MENA region, where societal norms and lack of legal protections continue to drive the phenomenon.
Countries like Iraq have been criticized for worsening the situation by passing amendments that permit girls as young as nine to marry, thus compromising existing laws against child marriage. According to UNICEF, regions in Iraq exhibit significant discrepancies in child marriage rates, revealing urgent inequalities that must be addressed.
The ongoing conflicts in the MENA region compound the crisis, creating environments where families feel pressured to marry off their daughters for safety or economic reasons. Qazzaz noted that factors like conservatism and geopolitical tensions threaten the progress made by women’s rights organizations.
The humanitarian crises in places like Gaza and Yemen particularly exacerbate the issue of child marriage, where cultural traditions favor early marriage amidst economic strains. The ongoing civil war in Yemen has stalled legislative efforts to establish a minimum marriage age, compounding pre-existing challenges related to child marriage.
In Sudan, the civil war that intensified in 2023 has disrupted already fragile social structures, pushing child marriage rates higher due to urgent survival needs. Reports indicate significant displacement and deteriorating conditions leading to increased risk of child marriage among young girls.
The situation has also worsened in Syria, where prolonged conflict has dramatically increased child marriage rates. Factors such as economic hardship and fear have further entrenched child marriage practices among refugee populations in neighboring countries.
Efforts by international and local organizations are underway to combat this pressing issue. Oxfam, through the Girls Not Brides campaign, is championing the rights of women and girls while working to raise the legal marriage age to 18. Qazzaz remarked on the importance of these initiatives, noting, “We built youth networks in six countries to advocate for their rights and lead awareness campaigns.”
In summation, the challenge of child marriage in the Middle East is multifaceted, driven by cultural, legal, and humanitarian influences. Although initiatives to elevate the minimum marriage age and improve conditions persist, conflict, economic strain, and societal norms continue to jeopardize the safety and rights of vulnerable girls.
In conclusion, the fight against child marriage in the Middle East remains fraught with challenges, exacerbated by conflict, poverty, and societal norms. Despite recent legislative efforts, such as Kuwait’s increase of the minimum marriage age to 18, the prevalence of child marriage persists in various forms across the region. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that integrates legal reforms and robust support systems for vulnerable girls while counteracting the negative effects of ongoing conflicts and economic instability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
