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Former Moroccan Minister Sparks Controversy with Proposal to Lower Marriage Age to 16
Former Moroccan Justice Minister Mustapha Ramid has sparked widespread outrage with his contentious suggestion to legalize marriage for individuals as young as 16. Ramid's advocacy for reducing the legal marriage age from 18 has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, particularly children's rights organizations, who are deeply concerned about the implications of formalizing unions involving minors.
During a seminar last week, Ramid argued provocatively that marriage could, in some cases, be "the best option for a girl or boy." He cited Article 1 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which grants nations the discretion to set adulthood ages below 18, as a basis for his stance.
However, Ramid's position contradicts alarming statistics regarding the challenges faced by underage brides in Morocco. A UNICEF report revealed that between 2015 and 2021, 14% of Moroccan girls were married before reaching the age of 18. Furthermore, in the past two years alone, over 36,000 underage girls were forced to abandon their education due to early marriages.
Of significant concern is the finding that 64% of married Moroccan girls aged 15 to 19 believe that domestic violence against wives is sometimes justifiable. Child brides are particularly vulnerable to various forms of abuse and exploitation, often lacking the opportunity to pursue education or achieve financial independence.
A recent report from the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council has shed light on the magnitude of the issue, revealing a staggering 12,940 underage marriages registered in 2022 alone. The council has called for the classification of child marriage as a form of human trafficking, given its prevalence.
Under current law, judges can approve underage unions with parental consent for what are deemed "valid reasons," a provision that critics argue has been widely abused. In 2020, over 13,000 such marriages were reportedly sanctioned.
While factors such as poverty, cultural traditions surrounding female virginity, and limited access to education contribute to the crisis, human rights advocates vehemently oppose any measures that would legitimize child marriage. Ramid's controversial proposal has reignited debates about the need to strengthen marriage laws to safeguard minors from exploitation and harm.