The United Nations has condemned new Taliban legislation in Afghanistan that effectively legalises child marriage and makes divorce nearly impossible for women without their husband's consent. Activists warn that the law, approved last week, formalises a system where girls as young as 11 can be married against their will.
Under the new divorce law, a girl who claims she was married without consent cannot seek divorce if her husband disagrees. Additionally, women cannot divorce solely due to a husband's absence or failure to provide financial support. This marks the first time child marriage has been legally recognised under Taliban rule.
Informal estimates suggest up to 70% of Afghan girls have been forced into early or underage marriages since the Taliban banned female education beyond age 11. Of these, 66% involve girls under 18. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) described the law as 'another step in the erosion of Afghan women and girls' rights'.
Protests erupted in Kabul this week, with women's rights groups condemning the legislation as systemic violence. Activist Fatima stated: 'The Taliban are now attempting to institutionalise child marriage within the formal legal structure.' A Taliban spokesman dismissed the criticism, urging people to ignore those 'hostile to Islam'.
Human rights organisations report that most child marriage victims suffer domestic violence and severe psychological distress. In a recent case, a 15-year-old girl in Daikundi province died after months of beatings by her husband, despite local elders urging her to stay in the marriage.
