Iraq could allow marriage for girls as young as 9. A survivor says it will fuel rape and child abuse
Iraq could allow marriage for girls as young as 9. A survivor says it will fuel rape and child abuse
Lawmakers in Iraq are proposing amendments to the country’s Personal Status Law that could allow marriage for girls as young as 9.
Summary
Proposed amendments to Iraq’s Personal Status Law could allow girls as young as 9 to marry, sparking outrage from rights groups and survivors like “Batta,” who endured abuse after being forced into marriage at 11.
The changes would shift decision-making power to clerics, undermining existing protections for women and children established in 1959.
Supporters claim the amendments promote family values, but critics call them a violation of children’s rights and a step toward legalized child abuse.
Activists and lawmakers are working to block the controversial proposal.
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