New child marriage law contradicts itself
Child rights activists has recently expressed their reaction and recommendations on Child marriage prevention bill 2017 which had been passed under special regulation, says a press release.
They mentioned that according to Child Right Convention and Child Policy 2011and Law 2013, any human being below 18 years of age is considered as child, which is conflicting the new regulation. Because mentioning case in special situation all children under 18 years are designated as under-aged where it shows no lower limit.
Simultaneously, the clause states in the best interest of under-aged female, but there is no explanation of best interest. Considering this situation on behalf of the Child Rights Advocacy Coalitions the activists recommends followings to guard against misinterpretation and full implementation of this law. The recommendations are Child Marriage Prevention bill 2017 should be clearly explained with all detailed points to avoid its misuse. Opinion should be taken from all organisations who work with children, parents and child rights.
Role of parents and court mentioned in the special clause of the law should be made more clear and specific.
There should be proper guideline to determine which marriages would be valid in special circumstances. Further best interest of under-aged girl should be made more specified. Child policy 2011 has made it compulsory to take opinion of that individual before taking decision on matters that influence his/her life. According to Coalition there should be clearly spelled out guideline on marriage of under-aged children supported by court. Coalition can provide assistance in this regard, if needed.
The coalition also demands for giving punishment mentioned in the law to the persons who violate it. To achieve this all persons involved in judicial process should be trained and oriented to have a unified approach.
