UN Says Half Of Afghan Marriages Involve Underage Girls

18 August 2005 (RFE/RL) -- The United Nations says nearly half of all marriages in Afghanistan are thought to involve girls under age 16.

The UN Population Fund said today in a statement that in some rural areas children as young as six years old are married off by their families.

The statement added that it is common for girls to be traded to resolve conflicts between tribal families. Such children usually become the "property" of the family or individual who receives them.

The UN agency announced that it was organizing a workshop later this month for Islamic leaders from around Afghanistan to try to combat the problem.

(AP)

See also:

Threats, Intimidation Reported Against Female Candidates

Interview With UN Special Rapporteur On Violence Against Women

Amnesty International Says Afghan Women Still Facing Abuse