Multiculturalism in Europe : the tension between the European law and the practice of arranged marriages on European soil

Abstract

When one hears the word marriage, usually love and unity comes to mind, however many women are forced into a marriage daily. Forced marriages are closely linked with immigrant communities in Europe since they are a cultural practice rooted in foreign countries. The rise in immigration into Europe over the years led to a higher degree of cultural diversity and the recognition of crimes related to culture and honour. The need for stringent and standardised legislation when it comes to forced marriages is heightened when one compares the estimated numbers of forced marriages in Europe per year to the cases that end up in courts. Although many international and regional human rights bodies have strictly labeled forced marriages as a serious violation of human rights, having perpetrators punished is not so common in Europe. The high numbers of estimated forced marriages in Europe suggest the need for such practiced to be controlled. The fact that the majority of forced marriages are motivated through cultural values of ethnic communities in Europe makes it harder for policy makers to establish a common ground to protect individuals from falling victims to such practice whilst respecting the attributes of a multicultural and diverse society. This study aims to discuss the rising phenomenon of forced marriages across Europe from a multicultural point of view, keeping in mind the need to respect various traditional values whilst protecting individuals who might end up being victims of such cultures.