Human rights activists again appeal to government to amend Marriage Act

LHRC Executive Director, Dr Hellen Bisimba

Human rights activists have called on the government to amend section 13 of the Marriage Act, 1971 saying it is toothless and enhances the increase of the child marriages in the country.

 

They made the call on Monday in Dar es Salaam when commenting on the particular law during a seminar organised by Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC).

 

In her opening address, LHRC Executive Director, Dr Hellen Bisimba said that despite the presence of the Child Act, 2009 which states that a child is any person under the age of 18, still section 3 of the Marriage Act, 1971 allows a girl child to be married under the age of 18 with the consent of her parents.

 

“This is what we call discrimination and violation of child rights…girls are married because of this act. We no longer need it since it results into health and psychological problems to most of the girls,” she explained.

 

Dr Bisimba noted that child marriage is a global issue and it undermines children development mainly in developing countries. She said the specific act contributes into girls failing to complete their studies thus affecting their future.

 

“We want this act amended because the situation in Mara, Manyara and Dodoma regions is worse,” she said.

 

Speaking at the events, Canadian High Commissioner, Alexander Leveque said that while Tanzania has been struggling to ensure early marriages are compacted, there are still challenges to overcome. 

 

“The launch of national ending child marriage campaign ‘Child Marriage- Free Zone’ is recommendable though there is an increase in the number of early marriage especially in Mara Region”, he said.

 

He added that child and forced marriage put the lives and future of the girls at risk, calling on international organs to put applicable laws to combat the issue.

 

“It is a violation of their human rights and hinders the development of girls, their communities and their countries,” he added.

 

“The implication of child marriage, early and forced marriage is widespread and profound. Complications related to pregnancy, HIV/ Aids and childbirth are leading cause of death for girls between 15 and 19,” he noted.

 

According to Leveque the economic impact of educating girls are undeniable. His country has managed to end the practice by ensuring that education for girls is among the priorities. He advised the  government to do the same.

 

“We played an active role in development of the first-ever stand  along with resolutions on child, early and forced marriage at the Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly”, he explained.

 

For her part, LHRC Programme Officer, Naemy Sillayo said, “Contradiction between the two laws puts the lives of most girls in danger”. 

 

It is estimated that 14 millions girls are married every year before they turn 18, which means that one in three girls in developing world marries before she turns 18. And one in nine marries before the age of 15.