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Taliban Decree Allows Men to Annul Child Marriages

5/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Taliban issued Decree No. 18 permitting annulment of marriage contracts for minors.
United Nations (U.N.) representative Georgette Gagnon said the decree legitimizes child marriage and deepens discrimination against Afghan women and girls.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid rejected the criticism, asserting the decree follows Islamic law and opponents are hostile to Islam.
The decree forces women to navigate a judicial divorce process while men retain a unilateral right to end marriage.

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Story summary

Taliban issued Decree No. 18 permitting annulment of marriage contracts for minors.
United Nations (U.N.) representative Georgette Gagnon said the decree legitimizes child marriage and deepens discrimination against Afghan women and girls.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid rejected the criticism, asserting the decree follows Islamic law and opponents are hostile to Islam.
The decree forces women to navigate a judicial divorce process while men retain a unilateral right to end marriage.