Two-thirds of the cases referred to the FMU have their origins in South Asian countries, and 43 per cent of those were linked to Pakistan. PHOTO: FILE
The British government has a long-established Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) — there is a busy branch office at the British High Commission in Islamabad — and nearly two-thirds of the cases referred to the FMU have their origins in South Asian countries, and 43 per cent of those were linked to Pakistan. A total of 73 countries worldwide have nationals that have come to the attention of the FMU, but by far the largest proportion come from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. The issue has gained in prominence in the UK over the last decade, and campaigners for the rights of women and girls have welcomed the new law. British Home Secretary Theresa May has said that forced marriage is a tragedy for every victim, and British Prime Minister David Cameron has likened it to a modern form of slavery.
Few community leaders in the UK are willing to speak against the tradition, the power of culture is so great. But an increasing number of young women are referring themselves to the FMU, fearful of what their parents and other relatives have in store for them. We welcome the legislation and await the first prosecutions with considerable interest.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 18th, 2014.
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Forced marriage issue largely associated with third world in general and South Asia in particular. Pakistan alone has thousand of forced marriage incidents. There is need to address this issue by state, civil society and media. Women are getting vulnerable day by day. Consistent editorials are required to show concerns. On the other hand it is also important to know that there is no room for force marriage in Islam. How about electronic media starting the debate on this subject? will they find time for these issues? let us see.
There are two issues here. Forced marriages and more importantly child marriages combined with the forced marriages. In all cases the country’s law should be supreme not the feudal and tribal cultures and customs imported from third world countries. Forced marriages and child marriages should be a serious crime in addition to genital mutilation of young girls. When there is a min age for voting, drinking or smoking then it makes sense to have a min age for marriage. Children cannot make the most imp and crucial decisions of their lives while living under the influence of parents. Mullahs and apologists do not want any min age in order to continue exploitation of child brides. It is about time all civilized world put a ban on these ancient practices on part of those who want to continue without shame.
Wow, kashmiris really do tarnish the image of the average overseas Pakistani more so in the UK than in any other country, With their outdated customs and rituals, they have failed to integrate and assimilate into the British way of life unlike most other Pakistanis and immigrants in general. The only way to overcome and challenge such predisposed mindset is to see to it that the guilty are punished and that victims get proper support else we will continue to see more such cases.
Excellent move by the British Government that promises to preserve the dignity of young citizens. Women are not property available for barter is the strong message being sent out.
Good move