Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord McNally (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 15 March 2011.

Forced Marriage

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the enforcement of Forced Marriage Protection Orders in Pakistan is being hampered by a view that the definition of forced marriages in the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 is incompatible with Sharia law there.

Answer: Forced Marriage Protection Orders are British civil orders and are enforceable within the borders of England and Wales. There are no formal agreements in place between the UK and Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh for the mutual recognition of Forced Marriage Protection Orders. Most cases where the victim has already been taken abroad are heard in the Family Division of the High Court under the inherent jurisdiction. The form of order made respectfully invites the judicial and administrative bodies and police authorities in the country to which the child has been taken to render assistance in establishing the whereabouts of the person to be protected and/or to arrange for them to be put in contact with the British high commission in that country. The Forced Marriage Unit and the British high commissions work closely with the Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian authorities on a case by case basis to ensure the safety and (where requested) repatriation of victims, using, where appropriate, the provisions of a Forced Marriage Protection Order. Forced marriage is not condoned by any major religion, and there are no indications of systemic problems or incompatibilities when working with the Pakistani authorities on this issue.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7440; 726 c39WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Enforcement Forced marriage Pakistan Islam Legal systems Forced marriage protection orders
Legislation: Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk