Child Marriage

Child marriage is a world-wide problem. It affects both boys and girls, although it more commonly impacts the later. In many developing countries parents will marry off their daughters (or sons) before they are 18 years of age. In some cases this is because of traditional gender roles or poverty. In most developing countries women are seen as less valuable than men and a burden that should be discarded with as soon as possible. By marrying off their children early, families can also reduce their expenses. No matter the reason, the result is the same. Child brides are often subject to sexual assault and are more susceptible to having complications during childbirth. They also typically do not receive an education; this in turn contributes to trapping them in this horrible situation. 

Currently Yemen is considering passing a law to end child marriage in their country.

For more information on child marriage visit these websites:

• http://www.girlsnotbrides.org/
• http://www.unicef.org/protection/57929_58008.html

For More information on child marriage in Yemen read this article by Human Rights Watch:

http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/04/27/yemen-end-child-marriage

Somalis In Kenya

Kenya has been detaining and deporting Somalis in the country who do not have proper identification papers as part of an anti-terrorism measure. The Kenyan government, however, makes it nearly impossible for the Somalis to get identification papers. Many of Somalis are in the country as refugees seeking asylum.

For more information read this article by amnesty international: http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/news-item/kenya-somalis-trapped-in-%E2%80%98catch-22-amid-crackdown-on-refugees