Iraq is preparing to make the marriage age of girls nine years(Underage Marriage). It is reported that the coalition government there is going to amend the marriage laws, according to which men will be allowed to marry girls up to the age of nine. According to the news, the proposed amendment will not only reduce the legal age of marriage but will also end women’s rights to divorce, child custody and inheritance. Although it is still proposed, if this law is implemented, then the marriage age of women will be 9 years.
The coalition of conservative Shia Muslim parties dominates the Parliament of Iraq– (Underage Marriage)
Let us tell you about the Parliament of Iraq, which is dominated by a coalition of conservative Shia Muslim parties. They are preparing to vote through an amendment that will overturn the country’s ‘Personal Status Law’. This law is also known as Law 188. It was introduced in the year 1959, not only this, it was declared as one of the most progressive in the Middle East. This is a comprehensive set of rules governing the affairs of Iraqi families.
Amendments to deprive women of the right to divorce and inheritance are also proposed
Iraq already has a high rate of child marriage and it is especially widespread in the poor, ultra-conservative Shia communities. At the same time, the coalition government led by Shia parties says that “the proposed amendment is in line with Islamic Sharia law. Its sole purpose is to protect girls from immoral relationships(Underage Marriage).” According to UK media reports, amendments are also proposed to deprive women of the right to divorce, child care and inheritance along with the marriage law. Not only this, the bill will also allow citizens to choose either religious authorities or civil judiciary to decide on family matters.
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Iraq is being heavily criticised
Needless to say, Iraq is being heavily criticised at the domestic and international level due to the proposal of this amendment. Sarah Sanbar of Human Rights Watch says that “these changes will deepen social divisions and make women more vulnerable to abuse.” Well, this is not the first time that Shia parties in Iraq have tried to amend the personal status law. They tried to make changes in 2014 and 2017 as well, but the strong reaction of Iraqi women foiled their plans.
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