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There are problems regarding early marriages not only in the Yazidi community, but also among the majority of the population of Armenia. This has become clear as a result of studies: Rustam Bakoyan said.

On December 19, the NA Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs organized a work discussion on the issues and effects of early marriage.

The Deputy Chair of the Committee Rustam Bakoyan added that early marriages cause problems for people in terms of education, health, and social life.

The NA deputies, the representatives of the RA authorities, Yazidi community, and sectoral public organizations participated in the discussion.

The Deputy Chair of the Committee mentioned that he planned to start the process of legislative amendments in order to raise the marriage age. The work on the issue started while working in the National Assembly of the seventh convocation. According to him, the problems in the Yazidi community are big, especially concerning early marriages.

It should be noted that according to the current legislation, the age of marriage in Armenia is 18 years old. A person can get married at the age of 17 as well, if there is the consent of their parents, adopting parents or trustees. A person can also get married at the age of 16, if there is the consent of his parents, adopting parents or trustees and the other person getting married is at least 18 years old.

Almost all the speakers welcomed the planned legislative amendments, made proposals, also presented certain observations and statistical data on early and forced marriages. There was also a proposal to increase the age of adulthood.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Araksia Svajyan pointed out that one of the problems that arise in case of early marriages is not getting a complete education. “In case of early marriage, not only children’s health, but also the possibility of achieving success in their future life is definitely undermined,” the Deputy Minister underlined, highlighting the necessity for the legislative amendments.

The Head of Mother and Child Health Care Department in the Ministry of Health Nune Pashayan referred to the negative effects of early marriages on the health of girls. Among them are complicated childbirths, gynecological problems appearing later in life, issues related to child care, etc.

The NA deputy Arsen Torosyan also emphasized the discussion and the initiative of the legislative amendments. The MP proposed to raise the age limit for marriage, making it 21 years old. It was also proposed to raise the age of being considered an adult. Arsen Torosyan justified his proposals with a number of facts and circumstances, underscored the necessity to break a number of stereotypes existing among the public.

Summarizing the discussion, the Deputy Chair of the Committee Rustam Bakoyan noted that he would present a relevant legislative initiative, and if necessary, hearings will also be organized.