Under a decree approved by Hibatullah Akhundzada, girls may be considered eligible for marriage upon reaching puberty, and a girl’s silence can be treated as consent to marriage.

The UN committee said the measure violates international child-rights standards, arguing that puberty is not adulthood and that silence cannot be considered genuine consent.

Rights advocates warn the decree could increase forced and early marriages, while making it difficult for girls to challenge such unions in Taliban-controlled courts.

Taliban officials rejected the criticism, saying the policy is based on Islamic principles and insisting they oppose forced marriages. However, the UN says the decree undermines protections for children’s rights, education, health, and personal freedom.