Germany uncovers hundreds of child marriages involving girls as young as 11

Authorities in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg state have recorded 358 child marriages since April 2012, including cases involving girls as young as 11.

According to the Daily Mail, the figures emerged following a parliamentary inquiry submitted by politicians from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Of the 358 recorded marriages, only eight were formally annulled, while 350 cases occurred between 2015 and 2026.

One case involved an 11-year-old Iraqi girl married to a 17-year-old Iraqi teenager in 2020. Another involved a 14-year-old Afghan girl and a 30-year-old Afghan man in 2018.

Many individuals involved reportedly originated from Syria, Iraq and Pakistan.

AfD politician Emely Knoll condemned the practice, saying, “Child marriages are incompatible with our values.”

She called for stronger protections and decisive action against forced marriages.

The state government confirmed that no annulment proceedings were currently underway.

UNICEF describes child marriage as a violation of human rights, warning that it exposes children to abuse and educational disruption.