Official figures have shown that last year dozens of married child brides arrived as migrants applying for asylum in Norway, with the youngest being just 11 years old. Data from the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir) seen by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) revealed more than 60 minors were married when they applied for asylum in Norway last year. The 61 cases known to authorities — mainly coming from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq — broke down as follows: at least ten girls were under 16 years old; 49 girls and two boys were 16-17 years old; and at least two of the girls under 18 years were expecting their second baby. Although individual cases could not be commented on for reasons of privacy, Bufdir director Mari Trommald confirmed to NRK the youngest of the child brides was an 11-year-old girl who arrived within the last three months. Ms. Trommald acknowledged the risks faced by the child brides and other minors, saying: “We are looking very seriously at children under 18 who are in danger of being subjected to sexual abuse, violence and coercion. We are committed to helping these children and preventing forced situations.” Ms. Trommald added that the situations she cited “could be criminal cases”. Cases are assessed