Join us on May 7th at 14:00 (GMT+3) for an exciting discussion on informal child marriages with RAF members working in Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Egypt.
The objectives of this webinar are twofold:
- Share information on useful and innovative programmatic and advocacy practices for the identification and prevention of informal or unregistered child marriages in the region; and
- Identify challenges and lasting gaps in the response related to the prevention of informal or unregistered child marriages in the Middle East and North Africa and propose solutions.
Unregistered or informal child marriages are a significant issue in the Middle East and North Africa region, creating barriers to protecting young girls and women from exploitation and harm. Several resources highlight the role of documentation, identification, and legal frameworks in combating this problem. In a 2016 report, the World Bank had emphasized the critical role of identification in ending child marriage. Without formal registration, many child marriages go unreported and untracked, particularly among migrant, refugee and displaced populations, preventing intervention and support.
In 2021, SAVE the children’s report entitled Married by Exception, which analyzes child marriage policies in the Middle East and North Africa region, also found that the lack of legal frameworks that mandate the registration of marriages allows child marriages to thrive, especially in countries where legal systems are weak or not adequately enforced. The article stresses that unregistered marriages exacerbate inequality, leaving young girls without legal protection and often without the ability to escape abusive or forced situations.
Not enough progress has been made to tackle informal marriages in the region as of present day. Last year, Human Rights Watch highlighted the impact of unregistered marriages in Iraq, where these unions harm both women and children. Unregistered marriages leave individuals without legal recognition, meaning that the rights of women and children are not protected under the law. In addition, these marriages often prevent children from accessing basic services like healthcare and education, further contributing to cycles of poverty and vulnerability. Recent proposals to amend the personal status in the country might also contribute to higher rates of child marriage.
The lack of formal registration of marriages in the Middle East and North Africa region contributes significantly to the persistence of child marriage. Efforts to address this issue must include strengthening identification systems, such as the provision of birth certificates and marriage registries, to ensure that marriages are recognized by the state and that children receive the protection they need. RAF looks forward to exploring these challenges and proposed solutions with its members during this upcoming webinar.
The event will feature the below RAF members and speakers:
Shatha Al-Habahbih, Prevention Manager at the Jordan River Foundation
Dr. Nour Al Mousawi, Board member at Iraq Health Access Organization
Ghenwa Schinder, Co-founder and Director of Women Alive Organization in Lebanon
Rasha Abouelazm, Adolescent Girls and Youth Specialist at UNFPA Egypt Country Office
English to Arabic translation will be provided during the event.
The recording for this event is now available here.
