[Today’s Prayer] “A Girl’s Silence Considered Consent to Marriage”… Growing Criticism as Afghanistan Effectively Legalizes Child Marriage

Criticism from the international community is growing after the Taliban government in Afghanistan announced a decree that effectively permits child marriage. The United Nations pointed out that the measure seriously undermines the rights of women and children.

According to AP, AFP, and the British newspaper The Times on the 22nd (local time), Afghanistan’s Ministry of Justice recently announced Decree No. 18, which contains regulations related to divorce. The decree includes a clause stating that “a marriage contract may be invalidated if a father or grandfather marries off a minor without receiving a sufficient dowry or through immoral exploitation.”

Although it appears on the surface to be a provision protecting minors, critics argue that it can be interpreted as permitting child marriage as long as a sufficient dowry is exchanged and exploitation is not involved. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also criticized the decree, saying that it “implies that child marriage is permitted.”

The decree further states that a marriage contract may be canceled after puberty if court approval is obtained. However, it also specifies that if the girl remained silent beforehand, she loses the right to later cancel the contract. The Times interpreted this as meaning “the Taliban intends to regard the silence of a girl who has reached puberty as consent to marriage.”

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Source: Asia Economy

“For You have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat.” (Isaiah 25:4)

Father God, we hear the heartbreaking news that the Taliban government in Afghanistan has announced a decree permitting child marriage.

Lord, in this situation where the dignity and rights of women and children are collapsing in Afghanistan, and silence is being forced upon them, please become a refuge for the souls of Afghanistan. May those who are suffering in the midst of tribulation draw even closer to You, and may You become a fortress for all who come before You.

May the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the true way of freedom and life, be proclaimed even more powerfully throughout Afghanistan as darkness deepens there. Protect the Afghan Christians who continue to keep their faith despite fear. Enable them to continue preaching the Gospel even amid persecution and hardship. Grant them wisdom and boldness, and pour out Your grace upon the ministries serving women and children who are suffering.

Lord, let the global church join together in tearful prayer for Afghanistan. Through prayers and declarations of faith for Afghanistan, may every suffering soul there encounter Jesus Christ, the true Truth, and receive salvation.

And may the people of Afghanistan rise up carrying the Gospel, wiping away the tears of all nations and becoming holy disciples who proclaim the message of the cross to the world!