2011-2013.
The problem of early marriages in Azerbaijan while a bit decreased
since 90th still remains serious and according to experts causes
increased mother and infant mortality, more divorces and lack of
education among girls.
Public organizations call to toughen punishment of parents who force
children to early marriages and religious figures registering such
marriages. The government admits existing of the problem while the
parliament is planning to toughen responsibility for early marriages.
Azerbaijan’s legislation allows marriages only after 17 years. However,
those who marry earlier ignore law and register matrimony in mosques
(so-called “kyabin” which is registered by a mullah). Such marriage is
not a legal one and deprives young woman of her rights – she cannot
pretend to anything in case of divorce.
