Forced marriages ‘against Islam’

AN Oldham community was today poised to meet a Pakistani official as part of a campaign to end the “brutal and unacceptable” tradition of forced marriages.

District Mufti of Mirpur, Hafiz Nazir Ahmed, was due to visit the borough to discuss moves against forced and early marriages among Oldham’s Pakistani families.

The event — backed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office — was one of five to be held across the UK this week.

Also taking part were members of the Khari Sharif Welfare Society, an organisation set up to offer support and advice to Pakistani communities and families on a range of issues including forced marriage.

“There is no concept of forced marriage in Islam,” said Mr Ahmed.

“People think that marriages without the consent of a man or a woman are in accordance with Islam. This way of thinking is against the teachings of Islam, rather it is a tradition and cultural practice in the Asian subcontinent.

“In some parts of Asia and in many developing countries forced marriages are common. I hope my visit to the UK will be useful for improving relations between Pakistan and the UK, and discouraging forced marriages. I will continue to co-operate on this issue with the British Government.”

The UK deems forced marriage to be a form of violence against women and men, domestic/child abuse and a serious abuse of human rights.

Last year the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s forced marriage unit provided advice and support to 1,468 cases related to possible forced marriage.

More than half involved individuals of Pakistani origin.

The oldest victim was 87 years old and the youngest was only five.

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said: “Forced marriage is an appalling, brutal and unacceptable practice. It is recognised in the UK and around the world as a serious abuse of human rights.

“The visit of the Mufti and his colleagues is an important opportunity for that message to be reiterated in communities around the UK.”

For advice and support call the forced marriage unit on 020-7008 0151 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or email fmu@fco.gov.uk.

For out of hours emergency advice call 020-7008 1500 and ask for the FCO Global Response Centre.

Further information can be found at www.fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage.