KABUL - Afghan civil society groups have called upon the Wolesi Jirga (the Lower House of Parliament) to protect the rights of women and children in Afghanistan by supporting the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) law.

Addressing a press conference in Kabul held on Thursday, leaders of Afghan civil society asked the parliamentarians to approve the law without any amendments. They expressed concern that there might be some elements in the parliament who want to make amendments to some articles, particularly the age of marriage, polygamy and child marriage.

“Although the law had huge challenges in its formulation process but during the last three years it was a strong advocate of women’s rights in all affairs in Afghanistan,” said Mahbooba Siraj, a member of Afghan Women's Network (AWN).

Under a decree from the President of Afghanistan, the EVAW law was enacted in August, 2009. It was seen as a significant legislative step towards ending harmful practices and other forms of violence against women in Afghanistan.

The law criminalizes 22 acts which constitute violence against women including rape, forced prostitution, child marriage, honor killing, ba’ad (retribution of a women to settle a dispute), marriage before legal age of 18, polygamy, harassment or persecution, forced drug addiction, and other elements.

The law is yet to be approved by Parliament and it has recently been integrated into the agenda Wolesi Jirga for discussions.