Iraq has passed a shocking law allowing marriage for girls as young as nine, raising serious concerns about child rights and women’s protections.
Baghdad: A new law in Iraq has just been passed, allowing girls as young as nine to marry. This has sparked outrage among many activists and human rights groups.
Three laws were approved that give Islamic courts more power over family issues. This includes marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Critics say this undermines protections for women established back in 1959.
Currently, the legal age for marriage in Iraq is 18. But with this new law, clerics can interpret Islamic law, which some say allows marriages for girls as young as nine.
Supporters of the law argue it aligns with Islamic values and pushes back against Western influence. They also passed an amnesty law that some believe benefits corrupt officials.
Intisar al-Mayali, a human rights activist, warned that this law could have terrible effects on young girls. She said it violates their rights and disrupts protections for women.
The parliamentary session was chaotic, with accusations of improper voting. Some lawmakers protested loudly, and there were claims that the voting process was flawed.
One MP, Raid al Maliki, said they support the civil status law but were unhappy it was bundled with other laws for a single vote. This could lead to legal challenges.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, an explosion at an ammunition depot north of Baghdad killed three officers, highlighting ongoing security issues in the region.
