Iraq is set to lower the legal age of consent for girls to just nine years, sparking outrage among rights activists. The Iraqi parliament, driven by a conservative Shia Muslim coalition, is poised to amend the nation's personal status law, known as Law 188. Established in 1959, this law has been seen as a progressive safeguard for families, regardless of religious sect. If the amendment passes, not only will the marriage age drop, but critical rights like divorce, child custody, and inheritance for women will also be severely restricted.伊拉克计划将女性法定同意年龄降至九岁，此举引发了维权人士的愤怒。在保守派什叶派穆斯林联盟的推动下，伊拉克议会正准备修订该国《个人地位法》（即第188号法律）。该法律自1959年颁布以来，一直被视为保护家庭（无论宗教派别）的进步性法规。如果该修正案获得通过，不仅结婚年龄会降低，女性在离婚、子女监护权和继承权等关键权利方面也将受到严重限制。The proposed changes raise major concerns about women's legal protections. Dr. Renad Mansour of Chatham House warns this move is part of a broader political strategy to reinforce religious authority and consolidate power. Activists fear the amendment will further undermine gender equality and exacerbate sectarian divides. Women's rights groups, like Coalition 188, have organized protests to denounce the government's efforts as an attempt to "legalize child rape."拟议中的变更引发了人们对女性法律保护方面的重大担忧。查塔姆研究所的雷纳德·曼苏尔博士警告称，此举是加强宗教权威和巩固权力的更广泛政治战略的一部分。维权人士担心，该修正案将进一步破坏性别平等，加剧宗派分裂。诸如“188联盟”等女性权利组织已组织抗议活动，谴责政府此举是试图“将儿童强奸合法化”。Rising Backlash and Sectarian ConcernsThe amendment has sparked significant backlash both domestically and internationally. Sarah Sanbar from Human Rights Watch highlights that these changes would deepen social divides and leave women vulnerable to abuse. Critics also point out that the reforms could institutionalize sectarian preferences, eroding the civil status of Iraq. Prominent voices, including human rights adviser Athraa Al-Hassan, emphasize the dangers of aligning governance with religious rulings. Many Iraqis worry that this could dismantle decades of social progress and drag the country backward.该修正案在国内外均引发了强烈反对。人权观察组织的萨拉·桑巴尔强调，这些变化将加深社会分裂，使女性更易遭受虐待。批评者也指出，这些改革可能会将宗派偏好制度化，侵蚀伊拉克的公民地位。包括人权顾问阿特拉·哈桑在内的知名人士都强调了将治理与宗教裁决相结合的危险性。许多伊拉克人担心，此举可能会推翻数十年的社会进步，使国家倒退。![]()
What is the proposed change to Iraq's personal status law?
伊拉克《个人地位法》拟进行哪些变更？
The Iraqi parliament is considering an amendment to the personal status law that would lower the age of consent for girls to as young as nine and remove women's rights to divorce, child custody, and inheritance. This amendment would align with a strict interpretation of Islamic law.
伊拉克议会正在考虑对《个人地位法》进行修订，将女性法定同意年龄降至九岁，并剥夺女性在离婚、子女监护权和继承权方面的权利。该修正案将符合伊斯兰法的严格解释。
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What are the potential consequences for women if the amendment passes?If the amendment passes, women could lose the right to divorce, gain custody of children, or inherit property. It would also potentially legalize child marriages, putting young girls at greater risk of sexual and physical violence, while restricting their access to education and employment.如果修正案通过，女性可能会失去离婚权、子女监护权和财产继承权。此外，该修正案还可能使童婚合法化，使年轻女孩面临更大的性暴力和身体暴力风险，同时限制她们接受教育和就业的机会。
