Early marriage and incestuous marriage in Phin Ho

Early marriage and incestuous marriage are harmful social phenomena, often occurring in ethnic minority areas. According to the law, these are prohibited acts and can be subject to administrative or criminal penalties. However, due to the influence of customs, culture and economic conditions, people in villages of Phin Ho commune (Sin Ho district) still practice this behavior.

Up to now, the situation of early marriage and incestuous marriage in Phin Ho commune (Sin Ho district) is no longer common but still occurs, especially the situation of early marriage. Phin Ho is a mountainous commune with 98% of the population being Mong ethnic group. According to the report, the commune still has many cases of marriage when they are only 14-15 years old. The rate of incestuous marriage, although not as high as in previous years, still exists, including many cases of marriage within the same bloodline. The family of Mr. VAR (born in 1986) and Ms. STG (born in 1988) has 8 people living together in a dilapidated house at the end of Ngai Cho village. Ms. G. said: She got married when she was 15 years old, and now has 6 children. The whole family of 8 mouths to feed only depends on 1 sao of land to grow corn, she and her husband do whatever they are hired to do but there is little work, no income so they often go hungry.
Another case is that the boyfriend LTN in Muong Mo commune (Nam Nhun district) is only 17 years old this year. Through social networks, he met and fell in love with MTL, a 14-year-old girl from Seo Leng village (Phin Ho commune, Sin Ho district). The girl's family had to invite the commune police to resolve the case...
The main reasons for this situation are lack of understanding of the law regulating the age of marriage and the customs of marriage in the clan; difficulties in communication between villages; lack of concern from families and communities for the rights of children, especially girls.
According to information from Sin Ho Medical Center, in 2022, there were 3 cases of children born to consanguineous couples with congenital malformations or malnutrition. In addition, there were 2 cases of pregnant women or underage mothers suffering from dangerous health complications. These children and women not only face difficulties in health care but are also discriminated against and shunned by the community.

Early marriage is the reason why women lose the opportunity to study and develop themselves.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Quyen - Deputy Director of Sin Ho District Health Center shared: One of the main problems of early marriage is the high risk of genetic diseases. Marriage within the same family line leads to the inheritance of genes that have the potential to cause genetic diseases such as cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, congenital malformations and malnutrition. This causes medical consequences, greatly affecting the development and future of the community. In addition, early marriage and incestuous marriage also affect family and social relationships. Marriage within the same family line can cause tension, conflict and arguments in the family. At the same time, it also reduces diversity and consensus in the community, leading to the loss of culture and traditional values.
To combat this situation, it is necessary to have the participation of authorities at all levels, social organizations and communities. Strengthen propaganda and legaleducation for people, especially those at risk of early marriage. It is necessary to encourage and support people to participate in economic, cultural and social activities to improve their quality of life and awareness; strictly manage marriage registration and implementation of legal regulations. Encourage and support people to participate in cultural, sports, entertainment, exchange and learning activities to broaden their horizons and connect with other communities.
Ms. Thao Thi Ly - President of the Women's Union of Phin Ho commune said: To prevent and combat the situation of child marriage and incestuous marriage in the area, the union has implemented many activities such as: propaganda, education, mobilizing families and communities to participate in the work of preventing and combating child marriage, supporting girls who are in early marriage to continue going to school, doing business... Connecting with functional agencies to handle violations related to the issue of preventing and combating child marriage. Proactively implementing many economic, educational and medical support programs for families in difficult circumstances; strengthening the role of mass organizations in monitoring and preventing violations; rewarding families with achievements in protecting the rights of children and women. Thanks to that, the situation of child marriage and incestuous marriage in Phin Ho commune has decreased, contributing to improving the quality of life and gender equality for people in the commune.
Mr. Ly A Phu - Chairman of the People's Committee of Phin Ho commune said: Currently, the commune has focused on directing organizations representing women, children, village chiefs, prestigious people... to participate in preventing and handling the situation of early marriage and incestuous marriage in the area. Focus on building infrastructure and facilities to create jobs and improve living conditions; improve the quality of education and health care so that people in the commune have more options in finding a marriage partner and the time of marriage. Along with that, the commune's mass organizations increase support and psychological counseling for those at risk of early marriage to prevent this situation. Implement control and supervision of marriage, strictly handle violations.
To thoroughly solve the problem of early marriage and incestuous marriage in Phin Ho commune requires specific and continuous solutions from the local government. From there, it will help people build a happy and sustainable life with healthy marriage.

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