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Rouhani's Deputy: Statistics on Underage Marriages are Concerning

Jan 30, 2026 January 30, 2026 2 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Shahindokht Molaverdi has raised concerns over the rising statistics of underage marriages in Iran, particularly highlighting cases of girls under 10. The UN has previously urged Iran to reform its laws regarding child marriage, emphasizing the need for legal changes to protect children's rights.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The alarming rise in underage marriages in Iran calls for urgent legal reforms and highlights the ongoing struggle for children's rights.

👥 Key Players

Shahindokht Molaverdi MENTIONED
Deputy for Women and Family Affairs
"She represents the Iranian government's stance on women's issues and child rights, highlighting the government's response to international criticism."
United Nations MENTIONED
International organization
"The UN plays a crucial role in advocating for human rights and has urged Iran to reform its laws regarding child marriage."

📰 What Happened

Shahindokht Molaverdi expressed concern over the rising rates of underage marriages in Iran, particularly among girls under 10. This follows a UN call for Iran to amend its laws regarding child and adolescent marriages.

  • The legal age of marriage in Iran is 9 years for girls and 15 years for boys under Islamic law.
  • The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has reported an increase in forced marriages of very young girls to significantly older men.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This issue highlights significant social and legal challenges within Iran regarding women's rights and child protection.
🌍 Regional: The situation may influence regional discussions on human rights and child welfare, impacting Iran's relations with neighboring countries.
🌐 International: Internationally, this raises concerns about Iran's adherence to human rights standards and could affect diplomatic relations.

📚 Background

Under Islamic law, the minimum age for marriage is significantly lower than in many other countries, leading to concerns about child exploitation and rights violations.

Child rights in Iran Islamic law and marriage
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
The information comes from a government official, which may reflect the official stance but could also downplay the severity of the issue.

Shahindokht Molaverdi, Deputy of Hassan Rouhani for Women and Family Affairs, states that recent statistics on marriages of girls below the legal age are 'concerning.' A month ago, the United Nations urged Iran to amend laws related to marriage and the punishment of child and adolescent girls. In an interview with ISNA on March 1, she mentioned, 'In the past couple of years, we have received alarming statistics regarding the marriage of girls before reaching the legal age, and we have even witnessed marriages of girls under 10 years old.' She added that the government has requested the Ministry of Justice to provide a detailed report on this issue. According to Molaverdi, this matter has been referred to the National Child Rights Authority for investigation and follow-up. Under Islamic law, the age of maturity is 9 years for girls and 15 years for boys. In 2012, a member of the Judicial and Legal Commission of the Parliament stated that 'no registry office' has the right to register marriages of 'girls under 10 years and boys under 15 years.' Less than a month ago, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child called on Iran to amend laws that lead to the marriage and punishment of child and adolescent girls. UN observers state that Iran allows men to have sexual relations with 9-year-old girls, and various forms of sexual abuse against children in Iran do not carry penalties. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has expressed 'deep' concern regarding reports of an increase in the number of forced marriages at the age of 10 or younger to significantly older men. The Deputy of Hassan Rouhani for Women and Family Affairs mentioned that a 'memorandum of understanding for the development of interactions and cooperation' will be signed with the judiciary. In her conversation with ISNA, it is unclear whether negotiations regarding changes to laws inspired by Islamic law concerning child and adolescent marriages have taken place, or if other measures will be pursued to address what is termed 'concerning statistics.'

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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