Jul 25, 2012

A number of Syrian refugees who have settled in Jordan have decided to marry their daughters off at a very young age in order to protect them from rape attempts and harsh living conditions. “We have witnessed approximately 50 cases of early marriage [within the refugee community], and most of the girls married Syrians, mainly their cousins,” confirmed Khaled Ghanem from the Islamic Association.

Hana Ghadban, a volunteer for the Syrian Women’s Association, stated that in Syrian cities such as Homs and Daraa, many girls are married at the age of 13 or 14. “We know several girls who got married after taking refuge in Jordan, and most of them were engaged in Syria prior to their arrival,” added Ghadban.

UNICEF’s local representative, Dominic Haidy, confirmed that UNICEF was aware of the problem, adding “we are seriously concerned about these cases of early marriage, which serve as a mechanism [for displaced Syrians] to better adapt to conditions.”

Harsh living conditions for Syrians in Jordan have led many Syrian families to marry off their daughters at an early age. Umm Sarah, a Syrian refugee, has arranged for the marriage of her 14 and 15 year-old daughters, as she is no longer capable of providing for them.

The Humanitarian News Agency IRIN spoke with the father of 14 year old Hanadi, a Syrian refugee who is now pregnant. The father stated that girls as young as his daughter are now being raped in Syria, confirming that “Syria is no longer a safe place for women and girls.”