In Palestine, the minimum age of marriage is set at 18, according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) which Palestine acceded to in 2014. This means that individuals must be at least 18 years old in order to legally marry in the country. It is worth noting that this age requirement is in line with international standards aimed at protecting the rights and well-being of children.
The CRC is a widely recognized international human rights treaty that sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of children. By acceding to this convention, Palestine has committed to ensuring that children are protected from early marriage and that their best interests are taken into consideration.
Furthermore, Palestine also acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 2014. This convention obligates states to ensure free and full consent to marriage. By doing so, Palestine acknowledges the importance of ensuring that women have the right to choose their partners and enter into marriages willingly, without any form of coercion or discrimination.
The minimum age of marriage is an important issue, as early and forced marriages can have detrimental effects on individuals, particularly young girls. Early marriages often result in girls being deprived of their rights to education, health, and personal development. They may also face increased risks of domestic violence, maternal mortality, and poverty.
It is important to note that despite the legal minimum age of marriage being set at 18, child marriages still occur in Palestine, as well as in many other parts of the world. Cultural, social, and economic factors often contribute to the persistence of this practice. Efforts to address child marriage involve not only legal frameworks but also raising awareness, promoting education, and empowering girls and women.
To summarize, the minimum age of marriage in Palestine is 18, in accordance with the CRC and CEDAW. However, it is important to continue working towards eliminating child marriage and ensuring that all individuals, especially girls, are protected from this harmful practice.