

	Respect Arranged Marriage, STOP Forced Marriage. The world is currently faced with a number of colossal struggles such as global warming, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the recent credit crunch. Another burning universal issue, affecting millions of people across the world that gets little publicity is, forced marriages. A forced marriage is where individuals are compelled to choose a life partner against their will. Typically parents, guardians or other prominent family members force young people into a marriage where they have had no say and have to succumb to the whims, wrong decisions and cruelty by those controlling their lives. The result is that family break-down, as very often the newlywed couple is unable to forge a mutually supporting and loving relationship. Couples pushed into such marriages almost always look for ways to terminate their enforced marital bond. Although South Asia is severely hit by forced marriages, it is also a worldwide concern. In the Britain the hundreds of incidents of forced marriages have been traced and the Government is taking this issue very seriously. Forced marriage is a criminal offence in Britain. Governments across the globes and major religions are against the concept of forced marriage. In Islam, for example, such arrangements are not permitted they are actually forbidden and the perpetrators, when caught are punished. Christian scriptures also oppose forced marriages. Save Your Rights campaign is committed to ending forced marriages that rob people of their basic human rights. We are organising various activities to raise awareness about the dire consequences of forced marriages. A documentary is already underway as part of our drive to end forced marriages. We are urging like-minded people from all walks of life and from across all our communities to support our work to put an end to this inhuman practice. Help us to build a brighter future.



	Are you being forced into marriage?		Marriage: it’s YOUR choice
	If you are being forced into marriage either in the UK or abroad, or have already been forced into marriage, you can contact us; SAVE YOUR RIGHTS (SYR) or the FORCED MARRIAGE UNIT (FMU) for confidential help and advice.		Marriage is something that most of us dream of happening... one day. But for some people, marriage can become a nightmare – when they’re forced to marry someone against their will.

	What is Forced Marrige? A forced marriage is one that is conducted without the valid consent of both parties, where duress -emotional or physical is a factor. What is the difference between Arranged and Forced Marriages? In arranged marriages both parties have the right to choose - to say no -at any time. In forced marriage there is no choice.		They might be threatened or beaten to make sure they get married They might be told that they are bringing shame on their family if they don’t marry They may even be taken abroad, without knowing they are going to get married, and then not be allowed to return home.

	If you are in immediate danger of harm or being taken abroad against your will, call the police on 999.		Forced marriage, like this, is a violation of human rights and it is seen in the UK as a form of domestic violence or child abuse. It can affect men and women, girls and boys, from every community.
	Join us on Facebook Campaign: Save Your Rights (Stop Forced Marriage) “Some of the information and material are copied from the Forced Marriage Unit, Home Office, as authorised and to promote the FMU.” Save Your Rights (SYR) - © 2009/10. Registered Charity No - 1130378 YouTube