A new marriage decree introduced in Afghanistan has sparked strong criticism from human rights groups and the United Nations. The decree reportedly allows a girl’s silence to be treated as agreement to marriage once she has reached puberty, a move that many experts say puts young girls at serious risk.
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child described the decision as a serious violation of international human rights standards. The committee stressed that reaching puberty does not mean a child has become an adult or has the ability to make such life-changing decisions. Experts argue that marriage should only happen when both people are mature enough to give clear, informed, and voluntary consent.
Human rights organizations have warned that child marriage can have devastating consequences for girls. Many young brides face a higher risk of domestic violence, exploitation, early pregnancy, health complications, and emotional trauma. Child marriage can also prevent girls from continuing their education, limiting their opportunities and affecting their future independence and financial stability.
The Taliban, which returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, has already faced international criticism over restrictions placed on women and girls. The United Nations says these policies have affected millions of Afghan girls by reducing access to education, employment opportunities, and full participation in society. According to the UN, these restrictions have also contributed to deeper poverty and inequality across the country.
Under Afghanistan’s previous civil law, the minimum marriage age was 16 for girls and 18 for boys. Critics argue that the new decree moves the country backward by weakening protections that were previously in place for children.
The UN has called on Afghanistan’s authorities to immediately reverse any measures that allow or encourage child marriage. It also urged them to restore the rights of girls to education, protection, equality, and participation in society. The committee emphasized that children cannot provide full and informed consent to marriage, which is why child marriage is widely regarded as a form of forced marriage.
Human rights advocates continue to warn that allowing child marriage can have lifelong consequences for young girls, affecting their health, education, safety, and future opportunities. They say every child deserves the chance to grow up, receive an education, and make important life decisions when they are old enough to fully understand the impact of those choices.
