Afghanistan: Girls Sold as Child Brides Amidst Crisis

In Afghanistan, a grave resurgence of child marriage and underage motherhood is occurring, driven by severe economic hardship and Taliban policies. Families are increasingly selling their young daughters, some under the age of ten, into marriage to settle debts or secure food. This practice, which has seen a significant increase since the Taliban's return to power, reverses previous declines in child marriage across the region.

Girls forced into early unions, often with much older men, face dire health consequences. These include increased risks of severe bleeding, anemia, and complications during childbirth, as seen in hospital reports detailing multiple underage mothers. The lack of education for girls, with many barred from schooling beyond the sixth grade, further exacerbates their vulnerability, pushing them towards early marriage as their only perceived option amidst widespread poverty and unemployment.