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A Step Backward: The Disturbing Legalisation of Child Marriage in Iraq

Fozia Rashid

As I sit down to write this, I can’t shake the feeling of disbelief and horror after hearing about Iraq’s parliament passing a law that allows children as young as nine to marry. This isn’t just another headline; it’s a gut-wrenching reminder of how far we still have to go in protecting the most vulnerable among us - our children.



Can you imagine being a nine-year-old girl, standing on the cusp of a childhood filled with innocence, only to be thrust into a marriage that robs you of your rights and dreams? This new law hands over family matters to religious authorities, effectively normalising child marriage and reversing a ban that had been in place since the 1950s. It’s a heartbreaking decision that undermines the very essence of childhood and sets the stage for a cycle of abuse and exploitation.


Child marriage, affects a staggering 28% of girls in Iraq, according to a 2023 UN survey. This isn’t just a cultural issue; it’s a form of child abuse that has devastating consequences for health, education, and future opportunities. How can we allow any country to legalise such an atrocity? How is this okay in today’s world?


In our daily lives, we often come across shocking headlines that might grab our attention for a split second. We might express outrage on social media or share a post about the injustices faced by children worldwide. But how often do we go beyond that? How often do we engage in real conversations, advocate for change, or support organisations that are fighting these battles? Sure, celebrity endorsements and political speeches can raise awareness, but real change requires action and commitment.


So, what can we do from the western world to help combat this horrific practice? First, we need to educate ourselves and those around us about the real impacts of child marriage. Awareness is the first step toward making a difference. We can also support organisations that are actively working to end child marriage in Iraq and beyond. These groups provide vital resources, advocate for policy changes, and support girls who find themselves at risk of being married off far too young.


Moreover, we need to hold our leaders accountable. The leaders of the free world must address human rights violations wherever they occur, not just when it’s politically convenient or when it directly affects resources like oil. It’s disheartening to see how often geopolitical interests overshadow humanitarian concerns, as we’ve seen in the ongoing situation in Gaza. If world leaders truly valued human rights, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. The fact that we are forces us to reflect on who we are as a global community and what we truly stand for.


As we grapple with this deeply troubling issue, it’s essential to ask ourselves: What kind of world do we want to create for future generations? Are we willing to stand by and let injustice continue, or will we take a stand and demand that every child, no matter where they are born, has the right to grow up free from forced marriage? The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.

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