NA Human Rights Panel Calls for Uniform Marriage Age and Stronger Coordination
The committee ordered the human-rights ministry to lead intergovernmental talks to resolve legal gaps so government bodies can better prevent and respond to violence against women and children.
Overview
- The National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights instructed the Ministry of Human Rights to pursue a single nationwide minimum marriage age and to consult all provinces on the changes needed to align federal and provincial laws.
- Lawmakers ordered the ministry to build clearer coordination mechanisms among ministries and departments to tackle rape, harassment, child abuse, drug addiction and begging after finding many policies remain unimplemented at the grassroots level.
- Officials from the National Commission on the Status of Women and the Child Protection Institute told the committee they face staffing shortfalls and budget limits and asked for increased funding and recruitment to improve frontline services.
- The committee directed a comprehensive media awareness campaign to publicize the services available to victims and to improve public access to protection and reporting channels.
- Members publicly praised the Ministry for hosting the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women and said the outcome should be used to push practical follow-up steps, while all implementation and any legal changes remain pending executive action and provincial agreement.