The Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice has prohibited marriage of persons under 18 years.
The Saudi justice system pronounced 18 years as the minimum age for marriage in the country.
According to a report by the Saudi Gazette, the Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council Sheikh Dr. Walid Al-Samaani on Monday issued a circular to all courts, stressing the banning of marriage for persons under 18 years – the ban on child marriage.
All such requests are to be referred to the specialized court to complete the formalities in line with the Child Protection Law and while implementing the established regulations.
Mr Al-Samaani’s directives are based on paragraph 16/3 of the executive regulations of the Child Protection Law.
Though the law says: “Before conducting marriage contracts one has to make sure that marrying a person under the age of 18 will not harm him or her and achieve their best interests, male or female.”
The order comes after an amendment to the kingdom’s Child Protection Law was passed by the Shoura Council in January that looked to ban child marriages under 15 entirely and establish new rules around those between 16-18 years old.
To buttress its strict punishment, the circular says that ‘matchmakers’ who violate this law will be held accountable and referred to the ministry for legal action.
What Drives Child Marriage in the Arab World
Child Marriage in the Arab world, which has been adapted by many Islamic sects is driven by Four major factors according to Seton Hall University report and they are basically –
1. Religion
a. Quran
b. Sunnah
2. Culture And Tradition
3. Laws In Arab States
a. Laws In Yemen
b. Laws In Jordan
c. Laws In Egypt
4. Poverty
The last one, “Poverty” has been described as a major factor since it is controlled and managed by each person.
“It’s very clear that poverty is the main cause of child marriage,” it says.
Its easier to give your baby ahead for marriage if poverty have taken over your thought.
“Child marriage is most common in the world’s poorest countries and is often concentrated among the poorest
households within those countries.”
