The UN in Iraq on Friday, January 24, called on Iraq to ensure that legal reforms align with Iraq’s international human rights commitments, particularly in relation to safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and children.

Read More: Iraq’s Family Law Amendment: A Step Backward

Last Tuesday, the Iraqi parliament passed a proposal to amend the Personal Status Law, which had previously sparked protests from women’s rights activists over concerns that it could lower the minimum marriage age to nine years old.

However, the revised version sets the minimum age at 18, or 15 with the consent of a legal guardian and a judge.

Statement by the United Nations in Iraq pic.twitter.com/NJrWaPlxZi

— UNAMI (@UNIraq) January 24, 2025

The UN stated that it is closely following the latest developments regarding the Iraqi Council of Representatives’ approval of amendments to the 1959 Personal Status Law, along with other important legislation.

Read More: Amendment to Personal Status Law: A Potential Crisis for Iraq

“We have engaged extensively with the relevant Iraqi stakeholders and emphasized the need for a constructive and inclusive dialogue on this matter. We will continue our efforts in this direction, reaffirming the United Nations’ steadfast support for Iraq in its aspirations toward a state governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights,” the UN concluded.