Bahar - Forced into an arranged marriage

Bahar was forced into an arranged marriage at the age of 13.

Soon after, her husband migrated to Iran in search of a better livelihood. Her husband’s younger brother – her brother-in-law – began to rape her. This continued over a period of time until she fell pregnant with his child. Her mother in law tried to get rid of the pregnancy and warned Bahar not to tell anyone what had happened. During a visit to her parent’s house she confided in her mother. After much discussion and knowing how females are dominated in law in Afghanistan, her father decided to lodge a complaint with the police. The police arrested both Bahar and her brother-in-law.

Bahar is still in prison but War Child is working alongside her defense lawyer to secure Bahar’s release under the new Juvenile code. We are very confident that the young girl will be released shortly

Bahar is not alone in her suffering. It is common for young girls in Afghanistan to negotiate the marriage of their young children, often to men old enough to be their grandfathers. To refuse the marriage or to run away is considered a punishable offence and many of these girls are arrested by the police, who label their supposed crimes as, “moral offences.” The girls are imprisoned. Their one act of defiance against parents brings isolation and excommunication from the family. Many girls do not receive any support from their parents or basic essentials, and when they ask for the help they need, they are met with taunts, abuses and threats of honour killing.