Iraq approves law/Allows child marriages from the age of 9

The Iraqi parliament has approved a controversial law that allows child marriages from the age of 9, sparking outrage from activists and women’s rights groups. This new law grants religious authorities full control over family matters, including marriages, divorces, and child custody, while abolishing a previous ban on marriages for individuals under 18, which had been in place since the 1950s. Mohammed Juma, a strong opponent of this law, stated, “We have reached the end of children’s rights in Iraq.” Meanwhile, Iraqi journalist Saja Hashim described the situation as “frightening,” highlighting the negative impact it will have on women and girls. Activists warn that this law could be applied retroactively, affecting custody and financial support rights in past court cases. According to a 2023 UN report, 28% of girls in Iraq are married before the age of 18. The law allows marriages according to religious sects: for Shiite Muslims, the minimum age is 9, while for Sunnis it is 15. MP Alia Nassif stated that the vote was conducted without the required minimum number of deputies present and announced that the opposition would challenge this law in the federal court. Independent MP Sajjad Salem called it “a downfall of Iraq’s reputation and dignity.”

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