The government of Chad has banned young girls from leaving the country without parental permission, in a move that has been decried by women's rights groups who have called for a U-turn.

Security Minister General Idriss Adiker explained the decision by saying young girls were leaving the country for the purpose of exploitation.

The announcement prohibits airlines and transportation agencies from taking young girls on board.

General Adiker's memo does not specify the age of the girls who are banned from traveling.

The Chadian Women's Rights League said the ban contradicted the principles of the fundamental freedom of young girls and human rights.

According to the group, the law is sexist because young Chadian boys are also victims of human trafficking.

A report by the global initiative against transnational crime said human trafficking in Chad has increased in recent years.

It also said there has been an increase in the number of Chadian sex workers in neighboring countries in 2021.

Source: BBC