Taliban Issues Law With Provisions on Child Marriage and Divorce Restrictions

1-Minute Brief

The new law has raised international concern over the rights and protections of girls and young women in Afghanistan.

Key Facts

• The Taliban government in Afghanistan has issued a new law on separation in marriage that includes provisions on child marriage.
• The United Nations has expressed 'grave concern' about the law's impact on child marriage.
• Activists report that up to 70% of girls in Afghanistan may be in early or forced marriages.
• The law reportedly makes it almost impossible for girls and young women to seek divorce without their husbands' consent.
• There are no official statistics on forced and underage marriages in Afghanistan, according to activists.

What Happened

Afghanistan's Taliban government has issued a new law on marriage separation that includes provisions related to child marriage, prompting concern from the United Nations and activists.

Why It Matters

The law could affect the legal rights of girls and young women, potentially limiting their ability to leave early or forced marriages and raising concerns about child protection and gender equality.

What's Next

International organizations and activists are expected to monitor the law's implementation and its effects on women's and children's rights in Afghanistan.