Eritrea new marriage law

Eritrea has recently introduced a new marriage law, which has been met with controversy and criticism from human rights organizations and the international community. Here are some key points about the new law:

What is the new law?

The new law, officially known as the "Family and Marriage Law", was passed in June 2020 and aims to regulate marriage, divorce, and inheritance in Eritrea. The law is seen as a significant departure from the country's previous laws, which were based on Islamic sharia law.

Key provisions:

  1. Minimum age of marriage: The law sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 years old, which is a significant increase from the previous minimum age of 15 for girls and 18 for boys.
  2. Polygamy: The law prohibits polygamy, which was previously allowed under Islamic law.
  3. Divorce: The law introduces a new system of divorce, which allows couples to divorce through a court process. Previously, divorce was only allowed through a religious court.
  4. Inheritance: The law introduces a new system of inheritance, which gives equal rights to both men and women to inherit property.
  5. Registration of marriages: The law requires all marriages to be registered with the government, which is a significant change from the previous system, where many marriages were not registered.

Controversy and criticism:

The new law has been met with controversy and criticism from human rights organizations and the international community, who have raised concerns about the following:

  1. Lack of consultation: The law was passed without consulting with civil society organizations, women's rights groups, or other stakeholders.
  2. Restrictions on personal freedoms: The law is seen as restricting personal freedoms, particularly for women, who may face increased pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.
  3. Inadequate protection for women: The law does not provide adequate protection for women, particularly in cases of domestic violence or marital rape.
  4. Unclear implementation: The law's implementation is unclear, and there are concerns about how it will be enforced in practice.

International reactions:

The international community has expressed concerns about the new law, with the United Nations, the European Union, and human rights organizations calling for greater protections for women's rights and personal freedoms.

Conclusion:

The new marriage law in Eritrea is a significant development, but it has been met with controversy and criticism. While the law aims to regulate marriage and inheritance, it has raised concerns about restrictions on personal freedoms and inadequate protection for women. The implementation of the law will be closely watched, and it is hoped that it will be enforced in a way that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.