The United Nations has strongly criticized a proposal by Iraq’s parliament to amend its personal status law to permit marriage for girls as young as nine.
In a statement on social media, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed warned that such a law would strip young girls of their rights and dignity.
"The Iraqi Parliament’s proposal to lower the legal marriage age for girls from 18 to nine years old is an assault on childhood,” she stated, stressing the impact such legislation could have on children’s welfare.
The proposed amendment, which is nearing approval in parliament, aims to revise Iraq’s personal status law in a way that would set back women’s rights significantly.
If passed, the amendment would not only reduce the legal marriage age for girls but also restrict women’s rights concerning divorce, child custody, and inheritance—drawing comparisons to conditions under the Taliban.
Ms. Mohammed further emphasized that the proposal undermines girls’ potential to grow and thrive in Iraq. "Girls are not spouses—they are children who deserve their right to grow up with protection and dignity,” she asserted.
The proposal comes amid Iraq’s sectarian conflicts, which have resulted in a government largely led by the Shia Muslim majority.
Previous attempts to amend the personal status law faced strong resistance from Iraqi women’s groups and activists.
-Channel8