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Written question asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour) on Monday, 18 April 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 May 2016. It was answered by Baroness Verma (Conservative) on Tuesday, 3 May 2016 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Bangladesh: Marriage

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of Bangladesh about child marriage, and whether it is their policy that the revised Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929 should retain the minimum age of marriage for women at 18 years age without exceptions.

Answer

We welcome the commitments made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Girl Summit last year and in New York in September to end marriage under the age 15 by 2021 and under 18 by 2041. We expect the age of marriage to be maintained at 18.

Alongside other Donor Partners and NGOs we continue to discuss with the Government of Bangladesh our concerns regarding the legislation, including the possibility of an exception clause that might allow marriage below 18 in certain circumstances, with the aim of ensuring that the public commitments at the UK Girl Summit are maintained. Meanwhile, we are working with other parts of HMG and donor partners to press for improved implementation of policies that protect and promote the status of women and girls. Activities to tackle inequality and promote empowerment are embedded across all of our wider programmes.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7704
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Children Marriage Bangladesh
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk