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30/03/2012
Consultation Finds Girl Of Five Forced Into Marriage
As a consultation looking into criminalising forced marriage in England, Wales and Northern Ireland reaches its end figures have shown a 5-year-old may be the UK’s youngest victim.
The child is one of 400 in the last year to receive assistance from the government's Forced Marriage Unit.
Joint head of the Forced Marriage Unit, Amy Cumming, said 29% of the cases it dealt with last year involved minors.
"The youngest of these was actually five years old, so there are children involved in the practice across the school age range," she said.
The case comes as no surprise to the Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation (IKWRO): "We have had clients who are in their very early teens, 11-year-olds, 12-year-olds, the youngest case we had was nine years old."
IKWRO campaigns officer Fionnuala Murphy said that now the consultation is over she hopes forced marriage will become a criminal offence.
"Our organisation is pro-criminalisation because we believe that it will empower victims to know that this is a crime, to stand up to their parents and to stand up for their own rights and it will enable them to come forward and seek help and say what's happening to me is wrong."
Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said the government would now look at all the arguments.
"We will now consider all of those views and responses to the consultation before we make a decision on the best way to protect vulnerable people.
"We are determined, working closely with charities and other organisations doing a tremendous amount in this area, to make forced marriage a thing of the past."
A decision is expected to be announced later this year.
The child is one of 400 in the last year to receive assistance from the government's Forced Marriage Unit.
Joint head of the Forced Marriage Unit, Amy Cumming, said 29% of the cases it dealt with last year involved minors.
"The youngest of these was actually five years old, so there are children involved in the practice across the school age range," she said.
The case comes as no surprise to the Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation (IKWRO): "We have had clients who are in their very early teens, 11-year-olds, 12-year-olds, the youngest case we had was nine years old."
IKWRO campaigns officer Fionnuala Murphy said that now the consultation is over she hopes forced marriage will become a criminal offence.
"Our organisation is pro-criminalisation because we believe that it will empower victims to know that this is a crime, to stand up to their parents and to stand up for their own rights and it will enable them to come forward and seek help and say what's happening to me is wrong."
Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said the government would now look at all the arguments.
"We will now consider all of those views and responses to the consultation before we make a decision on the best way to protect vulnerable people.
"We are determined, working closely with charities and other organisations doing a tremendous amount in this area, to make forced marriage a thing of the past."
A decision is expected to be announced later this year.
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16 June 2014
Forced Marriage Becomes Criminal Offence
Forcing someone to marry against their will is now a criminal offence. New legislation introduced today by the government is designed to help people in England and Wales. It also applies to UK nationals overseas who are at risk of becoming the victim of a forced marriage.
Forced Marriage Becomes Criminal Offence
Forcing someone to marry against their will is now a criminal offence. New legislation introduced today by the government is designed to help people in England and Wales. It also applies to UK nationals overseas who are at risk of becoming the victim of a forced marriage.
15 December 2008
Bangladesh Court Orders Parents To Release Daughter
An NHS doctor who was allegedly held captive by her family in Bangladesh is due to arrive home in the UK later. The parents of Dr Humayra Abedin, a 33-year-old trainee GP, were ordered to give her back her passport, after intervention by the courts and the British Foreign Office.
Bangladesh Court Orders Parents To Release Daughter
An NHS doctor who was allegedly held captive by her family in Bangladesh is due to arrive home in the UK later. The parents of Dr Humayra Abedin, a 33-year-old trainee GP, were ordered to give her back her passport, after intervention by the courts and the British Foreign Office.
27 October 2004
New proposals to tackle forced marriage unveiled
New laws and a specialist, cross-government taskforce to promote human rights and protect victims are being proposed to help prevent forced marriages, the Home Office and Foreign Office have announced today.
New proposals to tackle forced marriage unveiled
New laws and a specialist, cross-government taskforce to promote human rights and protect victims are being proposed to help prevent forced marriages, the Home Office and Foreign Office have announced today.
26 January 2005
Educational guidelines on forced marriage launched
A new set of educational guidelines will be issued for teachers to enable them to help pupils they suspect of being forced into marriage.
Educational guidelines on forced marriage launched
A new set of educational guidelines will be issued for teachers to enable them to help pupils they suspect of being forced into marriage.
07 June 2012
Cameron To Announce Decision On Forced Marriage
Prime Minister David Cameron will make an announcement today on whether forcing someone to marry should be outlawed amid speculation that it is to become a criminal offence carrying a maximum five-year prison sentence.
Cameron To Announce Decision On Forced Marriage
Prime Minister David Cameron will make an announcement today on whether forcing someone to marry should be outlawed amid speculation that it is to become a criminal offence carrying a maximum five-year prison sentence.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
