---

In almost all societies it is mandatory to find different relationships that are governed by their ethos. Among these relationships customary marriage is worth considering. As this marriage genesis and its effect is totally governed by the respective society customary rules in most cases it doesn´t conform to the modern notions of marriage i.e. equality, respect, protection and enjoyment of fundamental human rights. In addition, the practice is coupled with the pre arranged and early marriage which involves parental consent, and uncontrolled superiority of the husband in relation to personal and peculiar effects of marriage. On the same token, the customary marriage practice in the East Gojjam people of Ethiopia also shares most of the features of customary marriage practice of other societies. Thus, this book will try to assess the conditions and effects of this customary marriage practice in light of the family code of the Amhara regional government, which is one of the regions in Ethiopia. Moreover, the relevant international law instruments also analyzed. Hence, the book may be an interest for human right activists, law students and enforcement organs, NGOs and other scholars.

---

Birhanu Desalegn Mihretie (LL.B), Legal Expert in the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ethiopia.

---