National MP Dr Jackie Blue has rightly raised concerns over the increasing trend of forced marriages and marriages of underage persons in many parts of the world.
Although accurate data of occurrence of this despicable practice in New Zealand is sketchy, she is keen to ensure that New Zealand is protected against this practice.
Her Private Member’s Bill, ‘Marriage (Court Consent to Marriage of Minors) Amendment Bill,’ proposes that 16 and 17 year olds who wish to marry must apply to the Family Court, and sets out how the court should consider the application.
“It is vital that there is a recognised, effective and safe pathway for victims of forced marriage. Victims need support from a range of agencies to make sure they, and their families can successfully move on with their lives,” she said (See Communitylink).
While women and children are particularly vulnerable to trafficking for the sex trade, human trafficking is not limited to sexual exploitation.
It also includes persons who are trafficked into ‘forced’ marriages or into bonded labour markets, such as sweatshops, agricultural plantations, or domestic service.
According to some reports, young Indian women are among the victims of such marriages, mainly due to poverty, lack of economic opportunity and worse, parental pressure. Many parents force their daughters into marriage to overseas bridegrooms, without proper verification of the latter’s educational, professional and family status.
While New Zealand has taken a number of steps to prevent trafficking of women and children, it is yet to implement appropriate legislation to address the problem of forced and underage marriages.
While the Government provides a short-term shelter, witness protection, medical services, and repatriation assistance to trafficking victims, there is little or no evidence of action against New Zealanders who exploit such hapless women.
The US Department of State had recommended that the New Zealand Government expeditiously adopt and enact the National Plan of Action.
In addition, law enforcement should seek through the Action Plan increased collaboration with civil society groups to gather information on women victimised by forced marriages.
This is time for action.
