Morocco to Tighten Exceptions for Underage Marriage

Morocco's Justice Minister, Abdellatif Ouahbi, has announced plans to restrict exceptions for underage marriage, as part of a revised family code. During a parliamentary session, Ouahbi stated that the new code would limit exceptions allowing marriage before the age of 18. The revised code may be submitted to Parliament within two months. Ouahbi emphasized his support for maintaining the legal age of marriage at 18.

The current family code allows judges to grant exceptions under articles 20 and 21. However, Ouahbi described a common practice of circumventing the law through customary, unregistered marriages, followed by a court request to recognize the union. This practice not only bypasses age restrictions but also allows individuals to evade polygamy restrictions. The minister highlighted the need for a more stringent approach to prevent such practices.

To address the issue, the government is considering requiring social and health expertise for exception requests, taking into account economic and geographical factors such as poverty and distance to educational institutions. The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Social Solidarity will be involved in the process. This approach aims to ensure that exceptions are granted only in exceptional circumstances.

According to the judicial authority, recent data show a decline in underage marriages, although the exact number of authorized exceptions was not disclosed. A parliamentarian noted that exceptions have become a quasi-routine practice in some cases, citing a 17.02% decrease in statistics, without specifying the reference period. The lack of consolidated public data on granted exceptions complicates efforts to address the issue.

The revised family code prioritizes girls' education and autonomy. Ouahbi stressed that the government aims to promote education and independence for young girls. By restricting exceptions for underage marriage, the government hopes to reduce the phenomenon, which persists despite a decline in recent years. The authorities will need to balance the need for exceptions with the goal of protecting young girls' rights.

The issue of underage marriage is closely tied to social and economic factors, including poverty and limited access to education. The government's approach will need to address these underlying factors to be effective. By working with relevant ministries and stakeholders, the government aims to develop a comprehensive solution to the problem.

The revised family code is expected to spark debate and discussion in Parliament. The government's plans to restrict exceptions for underage marriage reflect a commitment to protecting young girls' rights and promoting their education and autonomy. The outcome of this process will be closely watched by human rights groups and other stakeholders.

Key points

• The Moroccan government plans to restrict exceptions for underage marriage as part of a revised family code.