What Is Forced Marriage In Australia Essay

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Forced marriage is the marriage between two individuals where one or both of the parties do not fully consent. According to the Herald Sun Statistics, there is an estimate of 1000 cases of forced marriage per year in Australia. Supported by Australian Laws such as The Criminal Code Act 1995 and The Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961 as well as protection by international human rights, individuals, especially women are now speaking up against this slave-like practise.
The Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961, outlines that 16 is the legal marriage age and marriage can not be forced. The Criminal Code Act 1995 was amended on March 8 2013 in order to introduce the criminalisation of forced marriage, as a result of the increase pattern of individuals aged …show more content…

This article signed by the Australian government allows individuals globally to gain protection from cruel and unjust activities that rise from forced marriage such as domestic violence. The United Nations General Assembly, officially declared in Paris, 10th December 1948 protects individuals internationally. Article 4 of the United Nations Assembly, states that “no one shall be held in slavery or servitude”, as forced marriage is recognised in the Australian constitution as a slave like practise it is clearly prohibited. In addition, article 16 states that “marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses”. Both the article holds similar details as the Commonwealth Marriage act 1961 and the criminal amended act 2013, as both protect individuals from being exploited and criminalise those involved. The Australian domestic law have successfully upheld their obligation internationally by having their laws and regulations similar to the international laws, which strongly protects an individual.
Internationally there are 14 million forced marriages per year. The top three countries which practise forced marriages are Niger, Bangladesh and Chad. On the other hand, countries such as Norway, have also imposed strict rulings, for example, Section 222 of the Norweigion Penal code prohibits a person to be entering a