The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child recently condemned a new Afghan decree that legitimizes child marriage, a move described as incompatible with international human rights standards. This decree, known as Decree No. 18, allows child marriage by regarding a minor girl’s silence upon reaching puberty as consent, a practice criticized for violating the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Committee emphasized that puberty cannot equate to legal adulthood or the capacity to give informed consent to marriage.
This latest Afghan policy is part of a broader pattern of rights violations against women and girls, highlighted by existing bans on secondary and higher education for this demographic. The UN Committee underscores that child marriage constitutes a harmful and forced practice, inherently violating fundamental rights and exposing young girls to heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and interrupted education. Moreover, it hinders their economic and social participation, weakening Afghanistan’s societal framework. More details on this issue can be found here.
The Committee has called on Afghan authorities to repeal such measures, unequivocally prohibit child marriage, and restore girls’ rights to education, protection, and equality. This issue is not confined to Afghanistan; child marriage remains prevalent worldwide. For instance, in the United States, child marriages were legal across all states until 2017, and it remains legal in 33 states today. Recently, states like Oregon, Missouri, and Oklahoma have taken steps to prohibit such unions, reflecting a gradual recognition of their harmful impact.
The global challenge of child marriage persists, requiring both local and international action to protect children’s rights and ensure their future opportunities are safeguarded. The international community continues to advocate for stronger legal frameworks to eradicate this violation of human rights, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring a safer future for children worldwide.