Outrage as 6-Year-Old Girl Is Married Off to 45-Year-Old Man in Afghanistan

A shocking case of child marriage in Afghanistan has sparked national and international outrage after a 45-year-old man reportedly married a 6-year-old girl in exchange for money, prompting intervention from the Taliban authorities.

The disturbing incident occurred in Helmand province, where the child was allegedly given away by her parents to become the third wife of the older man. According to reports from Amu.tv, the marriage was scheduled to be finalized last Friday.

A photo of the man and the child standing together surfaced online and quickly went viral, leading to intense public outcry. In response, Taliban officials stepped in and arrested both the groom and the girl’s father.

Although no formal charges have been pressed, local sources claim that Taliban authorities have instructed the man to delay cohabiting with the girl until she turns nine.

This case adds to the growing concerns over child marriage in Afghanistan, particularly since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

The regime’s ban on girls’ education has been directly linked to a surge in forced and underage marriages.

A 2024 report by UN Women revealed that child marriage rates in Afghanistan have increased by 25%, while early childbearing among girls has risen by 45%.

Advocates warn that these figures may worsen if the current restrictions on education and women’s rights persist.

“This is not just a violation of the child’s rights it is a crime,” said an anonymous human rights advocate. “It reflects a larger, systemic failure to protect vulnerable girls under Taliban rule.”