Kuwait raises legal marriage age to 18, banning child marriages

Kuwait has amended Article 26 of its Family Law, officially prohibiting the registration or validation of marriages for individuals under 18.

The amendment, published in the official news outlet "Kuwait Today", is a significant step toward protecting children and aligning with international commitments.

The decree states that marriage registration is now only allowed for individuals aged 18 or older, in line with Kuwait’s constitution, which upholds the protection of family, motherhood, and childhood following Islamic law.

According to Sky News, the amendment aligns with Kuwait’s international obligations, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which defines a child as anyone under 18 and mandates protection from early marriage.

It also supports the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which ensures full and free consent in marriage and encourages setting a minimum marriage age.

Kuwait’s Minister of Justice, Nasser Al-Sumait, previously stated that 30 percent of underage marriages in the country involve foreigners, with the majority being Syrian, Saudi, Iranian, Afghan, Egyptian, and Qatari nationals.