Categories: News

Saudi Arabian Government Officially Bans Child Marriages Under 18

Saudi Arabia has announced the prohibition of the marriage of persons under 18 years.

Saudi Arabian Government has officially announced that it has banned child marriages, making 18 the minimum age for weddings.

The minister of Justice and Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council Sheikh Dr. Walid Al-Samaani issued the new directive in a circular sent to all the courts in the country.

Al-Samaani’s directives are based on paragraph (16/3) of the executive regulations of the Child Protection Law.

It says “before conducting marriage contracts one has to make sure that marrying a person under the age of 18 will not harm him or her and achieve their best interests, male or female.”

This means, any teenager below the age of 18 will from now on be referred to specialized courts that will assess whether they can get married or not.

These courts’ job is to study each child marriage case to confirm that the future spouse who’s under 18 years old, boy or girl, will not be harmed as a result of this wedding and that this union will be of the best interest to the youngster.

Before now, child marriages are commonplace in Saudi Arabia with one in seven girls marrying before the age of 18. But, Saudi Arabia’s justice minister has changed things up.

Tobias Sylvester

Tobias Sylvester is the news editor for Kanyi Daily News and is based in Lagos. Contact Tobias at editor@kanyidaily.com. Got a confidential tip? Submit it here

Recent Posts

Nigerian Senate Denies Fighting Over Sitting Arrangement During Plenary Session

The Senate has refuted claims of a disagreement over seating arrangements in the new legislative…

9 hours ago

FG Declares Wednesday As Public Holiday To Celebrate Workers’ Day

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday as a public holiday in honor of the Workers’…

10 hours ago

Rowdy Session As Nigerian Senators Fight Over Seats In Refurbished Chamber

The Senate's return to plenary on Tuesday was marred by a rowdy session characterized by…

11 hours ago

“Find One Place And Sit Down” – Wizkid Slams Cubana Chief Priest Over Davido

Celebrity barman, Cubana Chief Priest has demanded an apology on behalf of his close friend,…

12 hours ago

“Men Should Help Their Gender More Than Females” – Apostle Suleman [Video]

Popular clergyman, Apostle Johnson Suleman has sparked controversy with his advice urging men to prioritize…

16 hours ago

Kaduna State Collaborates with Google to Launch Pioneering Hausa Language AI Learning Series to Expand Tech Education and Empower Women

A new initiative aimed at empowering women in Northern Nigeria through AI education was launched…

16 hours ago