The South Sudan Interim Constitution has outlawed underage marriages.
The head of Social welfare youth and Sports committee in the South Sudan Assembly Gatwech Lam Puoch the Constitution defined a child any person under 18 years of age.He explained that forcing a 14-year old girl to marry was now against the law if the South Sudan Interim Constitution is passed as it was drafted.
Mr. Puoch said it was important to enact laws to punish parents who force their 14-year old daughters to get married.
He added that forced marriages are harmful cultures that need to be addressed seriously.
Mr. Puoch said sometimes pastoral communities value cattle more than human life.