Niger: Whether forced marriages exist among Muslims; if so, the frequency of this practice among the wealthier members of society and those who have university training, and payment of the dowry (2000-August 2004)

Muslims account for about 95 per cent of the population in Niger (United States Mar. 2004; Europa 2003 2003, 3107). In this West African country, early marriages are very common (RJDH 4 Aug. 2004; UNICEF Mar. 2001; ibid. n.d.; Groupe Alternative 25 Jan. 2002; Afrik.com 5 Feb. 2002). UNICEF estimated that 44 per cent of 20-24-year-old Nigerois women were married before the age of 15 and that 70 per cent of married 15-19 year olds are women (UNICEF Mar. 2001; Groupe Alternative 25 Jan. 2002).

Country Reports 2003 indicated that, in some ethnic groups living in rural areas, families entered into marriage agreements for young girls often aged 10 to 12 years (25 Feb. 2004, sect. 5). UNICEF pointed out that, among Fulanis [an ethnic group in Niger], marriages are "arranged for babies still in the womb" (n.d.). To avoid pregnancies out of wedlock, which brings the family dishonour, some parents prefer to marry off their daughters, whether they like it or not, at very young ages (Groupe Alternative 25 Jan. 2002; UNICEF n.d.).

On 4 August 2004, a representative from the Journalists' Network for Human Rights (Réseau des journalistes pour les droits de l'homme, RJDH)-a non-governmental organization in Niger that supports protection and promotion of human rights-and journalist for Groupe Alternative-a community radio station that broadcasts from Niamey-provided the following information.

Early and forced marriages are common in Niger, but the trend is declining. These practices are more common in rural areas than in urban centres, where the school enrolment rate is higher. People in favour of these marriages justify them using economic and cultural reasons. Among the majority of Muslims, marrying a girl when she is too young or marrying off your daughter when she is still a minor is often perceived as a pious act because the prophet Muhammad married Aïcha when she was just nine years old.

Citing the results of a recent study on this subject by the Niger section of Plan International, a children's rights organization, the Nigerois journalist pointed out that, in Niger, school is a safeguard against forced marriages. The more educated a girl is, the less she is at risk of being a victim of that practice, regardless of her religious faith.

However, the results of that study were not found in the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

The Nigerois journalist pointed out that dowries are mandatory throughout Niger. He explained that, to make marriage more accessible, authorities have set the dowry at 50,000 CFA francs, or about CDN$120 (Bank of Canada 4 Aug. 2004), while leaving the option open for those who can pay more to do so.

The Afrik.com Internet site provides the following information about Niger:

[Translation]

Although the dowry is set at 50,000 CFA francs, it is easy to see that this amount is, in reality, multiplied by 10, 15 or even 20. It is most often between 200,000 and 500,000 CFA francs and can be as high as several million in some families. However, the law indicates 50,000 CFA francs for a young girl who is marrying for the first time, 35,000 for a woman who is marrying for the second time and 15,000 for a woman who is marrying for a third time. Other considerable amounts are added to that amount as general marriage expenses. It is an intolerable situation for the average Nigerois, who is unable to put together this fortune to get married (20 Aug. 2003).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Afrik.com. 20 August 2003. "Mariage à tout prix!" [Accessed 3 August 2004]
_____. 5 February 2002. Olivia Marsaud. "Les Chefs traditionnels nigériens contre le mariage précoce." [Accessed 6 August 2004]

Bank of Canada. 4 August 2004. "Taux de change quotidiens à midi (vis-à-vis du dollar canadien)." [Accessed 3 August 2004]

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2003. 25 February 2004. US Department of State. Washington D.C. [Accessed 6 August 2004]

United States. March 2004. Bureau of African Affairs. "Background Note: Niger." [Accessed 6 August 2004]

The Europa World Year Book 2003. 2003. 44th Ed. Vol. 2. London: Europa Publications.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). March 2001. No. 7. "Le mariage précoce." [Accessed 6 August 2004]
_____. n.d. "Histoires vécues : prévention du mariage précoce au Niger et au Bénin." [Accessed 6 August 2004]

Groupe Alternative [Niamey]. 25 January 2002. No. 270. Abba Hassane. "Mariage précoce : un fléau social au Niger." [Accessed 3 August 2004]

Réseau des journalistes pour les droits de l'homme (RJDH), Niamey. 4 August 2004. Telephone interview with a representative.

Additional Sources Consulted

Publications: Africa Confidential, Resource Centre country file.

Internet sites, including: AllAfrica, Africatime, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch (HRW), International Federation for Human Rights, Women living under Muslim laws, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.