Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:48am on 11 Nov 2024,Monday International
Iraq's parliament is set to amend its marriage laws, potentially lowering the legal age of consent from 18 to just 9, according to a report. The proposed change, pushed by Shia Muslim parties, could allow young girls to be married off to older men. If passed, the law would mark a significant rollback of women's rights, depriving them of divorce, custody, and inheritance rights. Critics argue the move places girls at risk of sexual and physical violence. Human rights groups and the UN have condemned the plan, which has gained momentum after a September reading in parliament.
