MOSCOW, July 24 (RIA Novosti) – Hundreds of women are still being forced into marriage in Australia despite the fact the practice was made illegal a year ago, Radio Australia reported, citing welfare groups from the Australian state of Victoria.
“When I signed the marriage paper I had no knowledge of the fact that it was the marriage paper … With the culture we are supposed to be docile. We are supposed to listen to our parents because they are older and know what’s best for us. But I felt [it was] very wrong. Like how is it right to force me to sleep in the same room with someone who I hardly know and can’t speak to?“ Radio Australia cited the girl as saying.
Under Commonwealth legislation introduced in Australia a year ago, everyone involved in organizing a forced marriage, including family members and wedding planners, face up to seven years in jail if convicted.
Forced and early marriage is a persistent problem across the globe. It is more common in Asia, Africa and among immigrants to the West from these regions.
In 2013, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution recognizing child, early and forced marriages as violations of human rights.
