Activists recently gathered in Tahrir Square in Baghdad to protest against proposed changes to the Personal Status Law in Iraq, which could allow children as young as nine to be married. Amnesty International is urging Iraqi lawmakers to reconsider the changes, warning that it poses a significant threat to the rights of women and girls in the country.
The current law sets the legal age for marriage at 18 for both boys and girls, but the proposed amendments would grant religious councils the authority to create their own rules regarding marriage, divorce, and inheritance. This move could potentially lead to increased instances of child marriage, putting young girls at risk of abuse and health complications.
Human Rights Watch has also voiced concern over the amendments, stating that it could further entrench sectarianism in Iraq and create disparities in legal protections for different sects. Despite opposition from activists and MPs, the second reading of the bill took place in September, raising fears among female politicians and human rights groups.
It is crucial for Iraqi lawmakers to prioritize the protection of women and girls by rejecting these amendments and focusing on urgent legal reforms to safeguard their rights.