FORCED MARRIAGES ACTION PLAN FORGES AHEAD
(12/11/02)

Another step towards tackling the issue of forced marriage is taken today, 12 November, with the launch of a key research paper, commissioned by the Foreign Office, which investigates perceptions of forced marriage within the Bengali community in Tower Hamlets and the Pakistani community in Bradford. The research paper was undertaken by academics from the Universities of Roehampton and Bradford.

At the launch of the findings, Foreign Office Minister Baroness Amos said: 'This is about raising awareness and working with the community to ensure that everyone understands their rights. Everyone has the right to consent in marriage.'

The research paper is intended to improve understanding of the nature of the problem of forced marriage and its causes and to provide a solid, transparent basis to further develop forced marriage policy. It will also serve as a useful tool in promoting awareness of the problem.

In the research paper, young people indicate that the problem of forced marriage is gaining recognition across generations, including elders. One is quoted as saying: 'At least their eyes are opening. First it wasn’t happening, you know. Now it’s like everyone really knows about it. It’s a big issue you know there’s lots of debate about it'.

The paper also notes that, within the older generation, there is a growing acknowledgement of the unacceptability of the use of force and the dishonour that force brings.

One Pakistani elder is quoted as saying: 'In Islam or in any religion or culture forced marriage is not allowed.'

FORCED MARRIAGES ACTION PLAN

In August 2000 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office together with the Home Office published a Joint Action Plan on forced marriage. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office subsequently set up the Community Liaison Unit in October 2000. The Community Liaison Unit is based in the Human Rights Section of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Consular Division. This reflects the fact that the Unit's work is focussed on protecting the human rights of victims and potential victims. (The Universal Declaration on Human Rights, article 16 (1): 'Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses').

Since October 2000 the Community Liaison Unit has dealt with over 440 cases, and has helped to repatriate around 75 young people. These figures do not include general calls to the unit asking for advice. Approximately 85% of cases involve female victims, 15% male victims. The Unit's work on this issue is not specific to any one community. The Government has also stated that is not against arranged marriages. They are an important and valuable part of many cultural traditions, and involve the consent of both parties.

In addition to the research paper, a number of the Joint Action Plan's key proposals have been put into practice during the past year:

• Awareness-raising video 'Tying the Knot' for youth groups, schools and colleges about marriage and freedom of choice. A teachers pack accompanies the video, and is designed to provoke discussion as well as raise awareness.
• Police Guidelines distributed to forces throughout the country to equip police officers with the skills and understanding needed in handling forced marriage cases. Launched after a year of consultation with over 300 organisations.
• A consultation process on Social Services Guidelines has been started with with professionals and the non-Governmental organisations. Ongoing process, due to be completed Summer 2003.
• Ongoing out-reach programme, raising awareness and working with communities.

Click here to read Baroness Amos's speech at the launch of the research findings.

Click here to download the Research Report 'Community Perceptions of Forced Marriage' (434KB, 18/12/2002 )

Click here to download the report of The Working Group 'Forced Marriages - A Choice by Right' (1,419KB, 07/02/2002

Top