In a disturbing incident in southern Afghanistan, a six-year-old girl was reportedly forced into marriage with a 45-year-old man after her father sold her for money. The marriage took place in the Marjah district, where the man, who already has two wives, allegedly paid the girl’s family for the union. The Taliban, expressing horror at the situation, intervened to prevent the man from taking the child to his home. They stated that she could only be sent to her husband’s household when she turns nine. Although local Taliban authorities have not released an official statement, they have successfully stopped the girl from being moved to the man’s residence.

Following the incident, both the girl’s father and the groom were arrested in Marjah district. However, no formal charges have been filed against them. Currently, the girl remains with her parents, as reported by Hasht-e Subh Daily. The marriage arrangement involved the traditional practice of walwar, where a bride price is determined based on factors such as the girl’s physical appearance and education.

The case has sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms, with users expressing shock and condemnation. Photos from the ceremony showing the man with the young girl have fueled strong backlash online and among human rights advocates.

Child marriages have become increasingly common in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in 2021. This rise is attributed to worsening poverty and strict restrictions on women and girls, including a ban on female education. Afghanistan currently lacks a legal minimum age for marriage; the previous civil code set it at 16 for girls but has not been reinstated.

A report by UN Women last year highlighted that the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education has led to a 25% increase in child marriages and a 45% rise in early childbearing across the country. Human rights organizations continue to call for urgent international intervention, emphasizing that child marriage severely impacts girls’ physical, mental, and social well-being. These groups warn that early marriages often result in premature pregnancies with significant health risks, domestic violence, and social isolation. Activists argue that these practices violate fundamental human rights and threaten Afghanistan’s long-term social and economic stability. They urge global leaders to prioritize measures that protect and empower young girls.