Teenage Victims of Rape Denied Justice

Discriminatory provisions in Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian law are failing to protect women and girl survivors of sexual violence, routinely denying them justice.

Shockingly, teenage girls in Algeria and Tunisia can find themselves married to men who have raped them. An appalling law in these countries allows rapists of girls aged under 18 to walk free - if they marry their teenage victim. It is difficult to imagine how girls who have already suffered such a violation must feel when they find themselves forced into marriage with the man responsible.

Two years ago, when a similar loophole existed in Moroccan law, a 16-year-old girl called Amina Filali committed suicide after being forced to marry the man she said had raped her.

Thankfully, the Moroccan Parliament abolished that law earlier this year. However there remain other discriminatory principles in Moroccan law, for example making the severity of punishment for rape dependent on whether the victim was a virgin. These rules are deeply flawed and must be abolished.

Take Action

Join the campaign calling on the Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian authorities to adopt policy that protect women and girls from sexual violence, and to repeal harmful laws and end the discrimination against survivors.

Sign the petition here

Join the photo action - Show your support!

Download the banner attached to the blog and take a photograph with it with your group. You could also encourage local women's organisations, youth and student groups to get involved with the photo action and sign the petition.

Email your photos to beverley.foulkes-jones@amnesty.org.uk. Pictures will be shared with shelters for women in the three countries.