UN Condemns Taliban Decree Allowing Child Marriage

The United Nations has raised serious alarms regarding a recent decree from the Taliban in Afghanistan, which allows for child marriage. Known as Decree No 18, issued by the justice ministry, this law sets forth guidelines for the judicial separation of couples and controversially suggests that a girl's silence upon reaching puberty can be seen as consent to wed. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) highlighted that this interpretation endorses child marriage, violating the principle of genuine consent and neglecting the child's best interests. In response, the Taliban administration dismissed these claims, arguing that the decree adheres to Islamic law and that forced marriages of girls are already prohibited.