Child marriage affects millions of girls around the world, but the problem has become increasingly common among child displaced.

Child marriage are more likely among families facing extreme hardship or poverty.

Parents might believe marrying off their daughter often to partner ten or more years older than them _ is their only option to ensure they are taken care of.

Baraa Elyas Salih , 15 _ year_old , has married since she was 14 , her husband was arrested in Duhok.

Baraa was a daughter of separated parents , her mother and brothers were in Hasan Shammy Camp , she has been grown up in her grandfathers' house .

She haven’t met her mother and brothers for years, she knew nothing about them and now she is living with her mother in law in Nargezlia Camp.

'I didn’t want to get married , but my grandfather thought it was the best option for me' Baraa said with a very sad face.

Marrying under age negatively affects girls health and life outcomes.

Child brides are less likely to stay in school. And more likely to be victims of domestic violence .

"I don’t know anything about my father" Baraa said , "My grandfathers' name has been written instead of my fathers' name on my identification" Baraa continued "I feel more comfortable now , I spend nice times with girls who have the same age of mine , here in Sewan child friendly space I learned how to make accessories using crystal stones and pearls" Baraa said that with happiness and showed a bracelet which she was made by herself .

"Thanks for you and for Sewan and UNICEF" Baraa said "I was too lonely here in the Camp , but now I have many friends to play with and share wonderful time in the space"

Lamyaa Shamuel Azirya 

Psycho-social Animator

Sewan Women’s Empowerment Organization