Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 March 2011.

Forced Marriage

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord McNally on 15 March (WA 39), whether the informal arrangements with Pakistan, India and Bangladesh for the mutual recognition of Forced Marriage Protection Orders are recognised as part of the domestic laws of each of those countries.

Answer: There are no formal agreements in place between the UK and Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh for the mutual recognition of forced marriage protection orders. 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 repatriation of victims, using the provisions of a forced marriage protection order. The approach taken will differ from case to case and it is therefore not possible to publish a general or informal arrangement. Ultimately the recognition of forced marriage protection orders in Pakistan, Bangladesh or India is a matter of discretion for the relevant judiciary in those countries. The Forced Marriage Unit has commissioned the development of a legal handbook which will outline the legal remedies available in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and the UK in relation to forced marriage.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7835; 726 c274WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Forced Marriage
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Written questions
House of Lords; Forced Marriage
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Written questions
House of Lords; Forced Marriage
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: India Forced marriage Pakistan Bangladesh Forced marriage protection orders
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk