Desperate Afghan Families Turn to Child Marriage Amid Economic Crisis
Afghan father forced to sell 7-year-old daughter into child marriage to feed family

Image: Daily Express Us
In Ghor province, Afghanistan, Abdul Rashid Azimi faces the heartbreaking decision to sell one of his twin daughters, aged seven, into child marriage to feed his family. The Taliban's rule has exacerbated poverty, with three in four people unable to afford basic necessities, pushing families to desperate measures.
- 01Abdul Rashid Azimi plans to sell one of his daughters, Roqia or Rohila, to provide for his family for four years.
- 02Saeed Ahmad sold his 5-year-old daughter, Shaiqua, to a relative due to inability to pay her medical bills.
- 03The Taliban's takeover has led to increased restrictions on women and girls, worsening the economic situation.
- 04Approximately 13.5% to 14.2% of Afghanistan's labor force is unemployed, contributing to widespread poverty.
- 05The U.S. has cut aid to Afghanistan, with the country receiving less than 70% of the aid it did the previous year.
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In Ghor province, Afghanistan, Abdul Rashid Azimi faces a harrowing choice: to sell one of his twin daughters, aged seven, into child marriage to ensure the survival of his family. With the Taliban's takeover in 2021, the economic situation has deteriorated sharply, leaving three in four Afghans unable to afford basic necessities. Azimi's plight reflects a broader crisis, as many families struggle to make ends meet. He stated, "If I sell one daughter, I could feed the rest of my children for at least four years. It breaks my heart, but it's the only way." Another father, Saeed Ahmad, has already sold his 5-year-old daughter, Shaiqua, to a relative to cover her medical bills, highlighting the desperation many face. The Taliban's policies have led to increased unemployment, with approximately 13.5% to 14.2% of the labor force unemployed. Humanitarian aid has significantly decreased since the U.S. cut assistance, further exacerbating the crisis. Villager Abdul Malik lamented the lack of support from both the government and NGOs, while the Taliban deflects blame for the humanitarian crisis onto the previous administration. As families resort to child marriage, the future for many Afghan girls remains bleak.
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The economic crisis in Afghanistan is forcing families to make desperate choices, including child marriage, to survive.
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