NCHR Helpline Gets 348 Marriage Rights Calls

News Desk

Islamabad: The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) helpline, “1413,” dedicated to safeguarding women’s marriage rights, has fielded 348 requests for legal assistance since November 2023.

Launched in January 2023 in partnership with Musawi, the helpline addresses a broad spectrum of issues, including domestic violence, child custody, forced marriages, and challenges in pursuing legal action. It offers legal representation and intervention in matters such as domestic abuse, divorce, and child protection.

Operating from the NCHR office, the helpline is staffed by two female officers and functions Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with an option to leave voice messages outside of office hours. The service is designed to enhance access to quality legal information, advice, and representation for women and girls, especially those who are underprivileged, illiterate, or face mobility and resource limitations.

The helpline provides assistance on various marriage-related issues, including filling out and registering the Nikkahnama, understanding marriage rights and clauses within the Nikkahnama, legal marriage age, child marriages, dissolution of marriage, forced marriages, child custody, dower, maintenance, and dowry.

NCHR Chairperson Rabia Javeri Agha highlighted that the helpline has effectively connected women callers with a network of lawyers across different regions, facilitating the filing and representation of legal suits.

Initially, from January 2023 to February 2024, the helpline catered exclusively to callers from Punjab. In March 2024, its services were expanded nationwide, allowing women from across the country to access legal support.

The number of cases receiving legal representation has notably increased, from 24 reported cases in April 2024 to 54 in June 2024. This growth underscores the NCHR and Musawi’s dedication to improving access to legal support and ensuring justice and fair treatment for all.