Kuwait Officially Raises Minimum Marriage Age To 18
In a decisive move to safeguard children's rights and strengthen family stability, Kuwait has officially raised the minimum legal age for marriage to 18. The amendment to Article 26 of the Personal Status Law (No. 51/1984) and Article 15 of the Jaafari Personal Status Law (No. 124/2019) was announced by Minister of Justice Nasser Al Sumait, reinforcing the government's commitment to child protection and social welfare.
The decision comes amid concerning statistics: in 2024 alone, 1,145 underage marriages were recorded in Kuwait—1,079 involving girls and 66 involving boys. Studies indicate that divorce rates among minors are double that of adults, raising alarms about the long-term implications of early marriage on emotional and social well-being.
"This amendment reflects Kuwait's constitutional and international commitments to protecting childhood, ensuring emotional maturity before marriage, and fostering stronger family structures," Al Sumait stated.
The reform aligns with Kuwait's obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), both of which emphasize the need to prevent child marriage and promote gender equality.
Kuwait's Article 9 of the Constitution defines the family as the foundation of society and mandates state protection of motherhood and childhood. Article 10 further obligates the government to prevent the exploitation and neglect of minors, underscoring the rationale behind the new legislation.
Legal experts and child welfare advocates have welcomed the reform, viewing it as a significant step toward reducing early marriages, lowering divorce rates, and ensuring young individuals have the opportunity to develop emotionally and socially before taking on marital responsibilities.
Studies globally and in Kuwait highlight that early marriage can lead to higher divorce rates, financial instability, and psychological stress, especially when individuals are not fully prepared for the responsibilities that come with family life.
By increasing the marriage age, Kuwait joins other nations in prioritizing youth empowerment, education, and long-term family stability over outdated practices that may compromise young individuals' futures.
This shift marks a broader regional trend of countries reassessing and reforming family laws to align with modern societal needs and international human rights standards.
Al Sumait emphasized that raising the marriage age is not just about preventing early unions—it's about ensuring that marriages are built on strong, mature foundations, ultimately contributing to a healthier society.
"This is about giving young people the time they need to grow, to develop their ambitions, and to enter marriage as prepared and equal partners," he stated.
With this legal change, Kuwait signals a firm stance on child protection, ensuring that the next generation enters marriage with the stability, maturity, and support necessary for success.
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