Activists are warning that a new edict issued by the Taliban in Afghanistan effectively legitimises child marriage and severely curtails the rights of girls and young women to seek divorce. The 'shameful' new regulations reportedly make it almost impossible for individuals to end their marriages if their husbands do not consent, a significant blow to women's autonomy in the country.
While official statistics on forced and underage marriages in Afghanistan are unavailable, human rights organisations estimate that as many as 70% of girls may be subjected to early or coerced unions. This latest decree, according to activists, marks the first instance of the Taliban formally recognising and implicitly endorsing child marriage within their legal framework since retaking control of Afghanistan in August 2021.
The implications of this edict are profound, further entrenching the subjugation of women and girls in Afghan society. Since the Taliban's return to power, there has been a systematic rollback of women's rights, including restrictions on education, employment, and freedom of movement. This new ruling adds to a growing list of policies that isolate women from public life and strip them of fundamental freedoms.
The UK Government has consistently condemned the Taliban's human rights abuses, particularly concerning women and girls. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Afghanistan remains 'advise against all travel', citing the extremely volatile security situation and the severe risks to British nationals. The FCDO has previously stated its commitment to supporting women's rights globally and has provided humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, often channelled through UN agencies and NGOs.
International aid organisations and human rights groups are expected to voice strong condemnation of this latest development. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, exacerbated by the Taliban's governance, has already led to widespread poverty and food insecurity. The new edict is likely to intensify calls for greater international pressure on the Taliban to adhere to international human rights standards and protect the rights of women and girls.