Some time last year, a 13 year old girl bled to death after being forced to have sex with her husband. The incident sparked a never ending debate on ending the traditional practice that has been active for years in Yemen.
According to statistics, a quarter of all women in Yemen are married off before the age of 15 because hey are seen as more obedient compared to adults who are independent and can make their own choices.
Previous attempts to have a Legislation banning child brides has been stalled by opposition from religious leaders and the government has never commented over the case.
In most cases the girl's parents are usually given a huge bride price, and this practice is common in the rural areas where traditional practices are still strong.
A UNICEF representative in the area who has been in the forefront of banning the practice says that "Early marriage places girls at increased risk of dropping out of school, being exposed to violence, abuse and exploitation, and even losing their lives from pregnancy, childbirth and other complications,"
In september last year another a 12-year-old Yemeni child-bride died after struggling for three days in labor to give birth, a local human rights organization said.
Most human rights organizations efforts have been frustrated when trying to put an end to the practice which is recognized and loved by mostly men who also hold major positions in the government.
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