Dr. Saleh Al-Khathlan, Deputy Chairman of the NSHR, said the move was based on several court rulings on cases of underage girls married to men tens of years older than them, which have aroused debate in society.

In the past two months, there were 10 cases of underage marriages in Hail, Jizan, Asir, Taif and Unaiza. The Child Rights Agreement signed by the Kingdom in 1995 defines a child as below 18 years of age. According to the Shariah, marriage can be held but it can be consummated only when a girl reaches puberty.