Foreign Tourist Criticizes Iraq’s New Law Amid Child Marriage Outcry
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Foreign Tourist Criticizes Iraq’s New Law Amid Child Marriage Outcry

ERBIL — A video of a German tourist in Baghdad has sparked outrage after he criticized Iraq’s newly amended Personal Status Law, which human rights organizations warn could legalize child marriage and undermine women’s rights.

“Good morning from Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, the country where you can marry 9-year-olds,” the tourist said in the widely shared clip, reflecting growing international criticism of the amendment passed by Iraq’s parliament.

The amendment to the Personal Status Law, originally enacted in 1959, was pushed forward with the backing of Shia political factions. It allows Iraqis to regulate family affairs based on their sect—either Shia or Sunni—rather than under the previously unified legal framework, which was considered more progressive.

Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the move. Sarah Sanbar, Iraq researcher at the organization, described the passage of the bill as a “devastating step for Iraqi women and girls.” She warned that “the formal legalization of child marriage will deprive a large number of Iraqi women and girls of their basic rights.”

Critics argue that the law creates a fragmented legal system, enabling sectarian interpretations that could weaken protections for women and children. Legal experts warn that it introduces legal ambiguity and could violate international conventions on human rights and child welfare.

The United Nations and other international bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, have also voiced concerns. They warn that child marriage can have severe physical and emotional consequences for young girls, including complications in childbirth, higher infant mortality rates, and the disruption of education.

Moussaoui, an international movement advocating for gender equality in Muslim families, condemned the law, calling it a violation of Islamic principles and international human rights standards.

Despite the criticism, proponents of the amendment argue that it grants communities greater freedom to manage family affairs according to their religious beliefs. However, activists maintain that the law strips women of fundamental rights, including those related to marriage, divorce, and financial security.

The passage of the law comes amid political agreements among Iraq’s ruling factions, reflecting the broader influence of religious groups in shaping legislation. As public debate intensifies, pressure is mounting on Iraqi authorities to reconsider the implications of the controversial amendment.

Learn the Truth Here ... لـێــــره‌ ڕاستی بـزانــــــه
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