By Ferdaws, Aharrar
Rabat – Eradicating underage marriage in Morocco requires serious changes to the socioeconomic situation throughout the country, the legal provisions and people’s mentalities, said Mustapha Ramid, Minister of Justice and Freedoms.
In response to a question posed at the House of Councilors on Tuesday, Ramid explained that countries such as Spain, Belgium, France and Finland “have legalized underage marriage with certain caveats and conditions.”
Under Moroccan family code, the legal age of marriage for both genders in Morocco is 18 years old. However, in some cases, and only if certain conditions are met, minors can obtain the right to get married.
Ramid added that although the government cannot change this social phenomenon directly, it can effect changes through integrated social and legal arrangements that will guarantee the safety of minors.
People might not be aware of the risks of underage marriage and how it can be problematic for underage girls who are not yet ready to undertake the responsibility of marriage. In some cases, underage marriage may even endanger their lives.
The Minister of Justice and Freedoms, therefore, emphasized that eradicating this phenomenon should go further than just enacting new laws; it should address the problem at the social and socioeconomic levels.
Edited By Kristina Fired
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