UN expresses concern over Afghan law on child marriage

The United Nations has expressed "grave concern" over a new law issued by Afghanistan's Taliban government on separation in marriage, which includes provisions on child marriage, stating that the code further entrenches discrimination against women and girls.

The decree, known as Decree No. 18, allows a girl's silence upon reaching puberty to be interpreted as consent to marriage and includes a section on the separation of girls who reach puberty and are married, implying that child marriage is permitted.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stated that the decree represents a further erosion of the rights of Afghan women and girls and "entrenches systemic discrimination in law and practice."

The Taliban government rejected the accusations, saying the decree follows Islamic law and insisting the country has already banned the forced marriage ... .