Taliban decree legitimises child marriage as UN warns of 'grave' setback for women's rights
New Afghan law interprets a girl's silence at puberty as consent to marriage, sparking international condemnation and concerns over Europe's repatriation talks.
The United Nations has expressed 'grave concern' over a new Taliban decree that effectively legalises child marriage by interpreting the silence of a girl reaching puberty as consent to wed. The law, published last week as Decree No. 18 on judicial separation of spouses, marks a decisive shift from tolerated tribal practice to codified state policy, entrenching discrimination against women and girls across Afghanistan.
The decree removes any minimum age for marriage, setting puberty as the threshold—a provision that, as analysts in New Delhi note, institutionalises what international experts call state-sanctioned child rape. Forced marriage was already widespread in rural areas, but the new text legitimises unions involving girls as young as nine. The Taliban's justice ministry insists the law conforms to Islamic sharia and that the country has banned forced marriage of girls, but critics argue the consent-by-silence clause nullifies any safeguard.
The timing of the decree compounds a geopolitical dilemma viewed from European capitals. As the EU explores engagement with the Taliban to facilitate repatriation of Afghan asylum seekers, rights groups warn that returning families may send girls back into a legal framework that offers no protection. The HuffPost Italia report highlights this tension, noting that European policy risks colluding in the very abuses it condemns.
The UN's condemnation, echoed by human rights organisations, underscores the growing isolation of the Taliban government. Yet the regime shows no sign of reversing course. Looking ahead, the law may deepen Afghanistan's pariah status, complicating any path to diplomatic recognition while subjecting another generation of Afghan girls to early marriage and its lifelong consequences.
| Russian & CIS press | −0.50 | critical |
|---|---|---|
| Latin American press | −0.90 | critical |
| Atlantic / Anglosphere press | −0.60 | critical |
| Arab Gulf press | −0.40 | critical |
Russian press reports the Taliban's legalization of child marriage, highlighting UN condemnation. The approach is mostly descriptive, with critical tones but without excessive alarmism. The contrast between the law and international norms is emphasized.
With language laden with horror and indignation, Latin American press denounces the new Taliban law allowing marriage of girls from age 9, describing heartbreaking details such as silence being considered consent. The article openly takes sides against the regime, highlighting the suffering of Afghan women.
Atlantic press covers the story with a concerned but measured tone, reporting UN concerns and the Taliban's reply invoking Islamic law. The focus is on implications for women's rights, without sensationalism.
Gulf Arab press takes a more neutral approach, reporting facts without excessive emphasis. It gives room to the Taliban's justification based on sharia, while acknowledging international condemnation. The tone is detached and pragmatic.
Broaden your view
Ceuta migrant surge leaves 57 dead, triggers Italy’s suspension of Schengen with Spain
2 languages · 112 outlets
From Economy & MarketsMexico’s economy rebounds 1.5% in Q2, its fastest quarterly expansion in more than five years
1 language · 18 outlets
From TechnologyChery Q EV launch at Indonesia auto show draws 6,000 orders with online-only sales model
1 language · 15 outlets