Morocco: A 14-year-old girl’s marriage narrowly avoided in Kenitra

The case concerns an attempt to marry a 14-year-old girl to a much older man through a "Fatiha marriage" (customary). The Injad network, part of the Federation of the League of Women’s Rights, intervened after the alert was raised. The organization filed two official complaints, including with the King’s Attorney General in Kenitra, denouncing a "serious act" and a blatant violation of the rights of the child.

The president of the network, Najia Tazrout, called on the authorities to open an investigation, prevent the holding of this marriage, and ensure the protection and reintegration of the young girl, in accordance with the Constitution and international conventions. The mobilization on social networks was strong, with many Internet users denouncing a "worrying regression".

Decrease in legal requests, but the phenomenon persists

This case of customary marriage, which circumvents the law, comes as official figures on legal requests for the marriage of minors are declining. According to the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, 16,755 requests for the marriage of minors were recorded in 2024, a decrease of 17% compared to 2023.

Almost all of these requests (16,501) concern underage girls. The acceptance rate of these requests by judges remained stable, at 62.94% in 2024. The profile of the applicants reveals that 92.5% are not in school and 78.1% live in rural areas. In total, these authorized unions represented 6.46% of all marriages registered in Morocco in 2024.