Extremist group with child brides under investigation

A 13-year-old girl was found to be pregnant.

Supreme court approval required for underage marriage

The supreme court has introduced new rules requiring the family court to seek its approval before registering marriages involving minors. In accordance with Islamic sharia, the Maldives’ family law allows children under the age of 18 who have reached puberty to get married with a special permission from the family court.

CEDAW committee welcomes progress on women’s rights, expresses concern with child marriages, flogging and gender stereotypes