U.N. gravely concerned by an Afghan Taliban law that has provisions on child marriage
The United Nations has expressed serious concerns over a new Taliban law in Afghanistan that includes provisions allowing child marriage. The Taliban government defends the law as compliant with Islamic principles, despite claims that it perpetuates discrimination against women and girls. Critics argue that the decree undermines the rights and autonomy of women, further entrenching gender inequality in the country.
- ▪The U.N. stated that the new law entrenches discrimination against women and girls.
- ▪The decree allows for the interpretation of a girl's silence as consent to marriage.
- ▪Women face significant barriers in seeking divorce compared to men under the new law.
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The United Nations expressed “grave concern” on Thursday (May 21, 2026) about a new law issued by Afghanistan's Taliban government on separation in marriage which includes provisions on child marriage, saying the code further entrenches discrimination against women and girls.The government rejected the accusations, saying the decree follows Islamic law and insisting the country has already banned the forced marriage of girls.Afghanistan's Justice Ministry published Decree No. 18 “on judicial separation of spouses” last week, which sets out rules for separation of a married couple.Among its most controversial provisions, it says that the silence of a girl reaching puberty can be interpreted as consent to marriage.
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