Tragic Story of Ruqia Haidari: A Forced Marriage Victim in Australia
This news story highlights the heartbreaking life of Ruqia Haidari. The youngest daughter of a poor Afghan family that sought refuge in Australia. Unfortunately, she fell victim to the cruel custom of forced marriage, going against her will and desires. Leech of forced marriages swallowed an other innocent.
Early Life and Struggles
Ruqia was born in Afghanistan in 1999. just a month before her father. A fruit and vegetable seller was killed by the Taliban. Fearing for her children’s safety, her mother, Sakina Muhammad Jan, fled with four of her youngest children to Pakistan. Then, in 2013, they found a new home in Shepparton, a regional town in northern Victoria, Australia. Leech of forced marriages swallowed an other innocent.
New Beginnings in Australia
Arriving in Australia offered the Haidari children new opportunities. They attended school, learned English, and made friends beyond their Hazara community, an ethno-religious group that faced persecution in Afghanistan. Sakina believed she had secured a better future for her children. However, tragedy struck again a decade later when Ruqia was forced into marriage. Leech of forced marriages swallowed an other innocent.
Ruqia’s Forced Marriage and Death
In a shocking turn of events, Ruqia’s mother was convicted for forcing her into marriage. Though Sakina never intended harm, the court found her guilty under Australia’s 2013 criminalization of forced marriage. Tragically, just weeks after moving in with her husband, Ruqia was killed by him. Her mother was sentenced to three years in prison. The first person in Australia convicted of forced marriage, even though the crime carries a maximum sentence of seven years. Leech of forced marriages swallowed an other innocent.
Community Reactions and Fear
Helena Hassani, an expert on forced marriage in Australia, shared how the sentencing created fear and anxiety within their community. At a family gathering, several middle-aged women expressed concerns about what the ruling meant for them. Hassani warned them that forced marriage is illegal in Australia, and the consequences are severe. Leech of forced marriages swallowed an other innocent.
Forced Marriage in Australia
Forced marriage, considered a form of gender-based violence, often strips young women of control over their lives, passing it from their parents to their husbands without their consent. This abuse can result in years of trauma, physical harm, and even death, as in Ruqia’s case. Since 2013, the Australian Federal Police has received over 500 reports of forced marriages, many involving minors.
Ruqia’s Story and the Fight Against Forced Marriage
Ruqia was introduced to her future husband, Mohammad Ali Halimi, on June 1, 2019. The very next day, she began confiding her objections to friends, teachers, and police officers. Despite her pleas, a permanent Nikah ceremony was held, and her family received a dowry of 15,000 Australian dollars. Weeks later, Ruqia was dead. Leech of forced marriages swallowed an other innocent.
Efforts to Combat Forced Marriages
Jennifer Burn, founding director of Anti-Slavery Australia, highlighted that forced marriages occur across all religions and ethnicities in Australia. Girls at risk often hesitate to report their families, fearing the legal consequences for their parents. The Australian government has now ramped up efforts to prevent such marriages. Alongside criminal charges, they are exploring stronger civil protections, like court protection orders and adding adults to airport watch lists to prevent them from being taken abroad for forced marriages. Leech of forced marriages swallowed an other innocent.
Global Responses to Forced Marriage
Other countries like the UK, France, Canada, and Germany have implemented specific laws and protective measures to combat forced marriage. In the UK, the Forced Marriage Unit has seen hundreds of cases referred each year, with many families seeking protection orders to stop impending marriages.
Support for Victims
Australia has also relaxed certain rules to provide victims with greater support. Social welfare groups can now refer victims for crisis accommodation and ongoing casework without police involvement. This 24/7 support is essential for those in urgent need of help.
Ruqia Haidari’s tragic story underscores the need for continued efforts to end forced marriage and protect vulnerable individuals from such horrific practices. Leech of forced marriages swallowed an other innocent.
Continuing the Fight Against Forced Marriage
The tragic death of Ruqia Haidari has ignited a stronger push for reform and protection in Australia. Her story serves as a painful reminder that forced marriage is not just a violation of rights, but a deadly threat to vulnerable young women. To prevent such tragedies in the future, activists and lawmakers are working tirelessly to enhance support systems and legal measures.
Community Education and Awareness
One of the major challenges in combating forced marriage is educating communities that uphold traditional values which may conflict with modern laws. Many families, especially those from conservative backgrounds, may not fully understand that forced marriage is illegal. Awareness campaigns, led by experts like Helena Hassani and organizations such as Boland Parwaz, aim to inform communities about the legal and social consequences of forcing children into marriage. Hassani’s outreach efforts have shown how important it is to address the fear and anxiety within these communities and to encourage open dialogue about the issue.
Legal Measures and Government Action
As part of the government’s response, there is an ongoing consultation about what a stronger civil response to forced marriage could look like. The proposed changes would not only focus on criminal consequences but also on preventive measures. Legal protections such as court-issued orders could prevent forced marriages before they happen, providing victims with a safe avenue to seek help. Moreover, relaxing rules for adding individuals to airport watch lists would help protect those at risk of being taken abroad for forced marriages.
The Australian government continues to work closely with advocacy groups and law enforcement to ensure a holistic approach to forced marriage prevention. Initiatives like these show a commitment to addressing the root causes of forced marriage and protecting the rights of young women and girls.
A Global Movement Against Forced Marriage
While Australia makes strides in protecting victims, other countries are also ramping up efforts to combat forced marriage. The UK’s Forced Marriage Unit serves as a model for a coordinated approach between law enforcement, charities, and government ministries. Countries like France and Canada have adopted similar measures, focusing on both legal and civil protections for those at risk. Global cooperation on this issue remains crucial, as forced marriage often transcends national borders. Governments are increasingly recognizing the need for swift intervention, especially in cases where young women are at risk of being sent abroad. Leech of forced marriages swallowed an other innocent.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Cultural Shift
Ending forced marriage requires more than just legal measures; it demands a cultural shift. Families and communities need to embrace the idea that young women should have control over their own lives and futures. Forced marriage is not a tradition worth preserving—it is a human rights violation. Educational programs aimed at promoting gender equality and personal freedom are essential for bringing about this change. Leech of forced marriages swallowed an other innocent.
The work being done by organizations like Anti-Slavery Australia and Boland Parwaz offers hope for a future where forced marriage is eradicated. Through continued advocacy, legal reforms, and community engagement, there is potential to prevent future tragedies like Ruqia Haidari’s and to protect countless others from a similar fate.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact
Ruqia Haidari’s death has left an indelible mark on the fight against forced marriage in Australia. Her story has brought attention to the harsh realities faced by many young women trapped in cultural customs that rob them of their autonomy. While her life was tragically cut short, her legacy could help save others from the same fate. The combined efforts of activists, legal experts, and government officials continue to push for stronger protections, greater awareness, and a future where every girl has the freedom to choose her own path. Leech of forced marriages swallowed an other innocent.
