Global Leaders Unite to End Child Marriage at UN Assembly in New York

In a significant move to combat child marriage, Just Rights for Children (JRC), a prominent international civil rights organization, convened leaders from around the globe in New York amidst the United Nations General Assembly week. The aim was to foster collective action and enforce international collaboration, particularly in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which seeks to end child marriage and ensure the rights of all children.

The high-level side event, titled "Creating a Child Marriage Free World: Building a Case for Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution," served as a platform to showcase best practices and emphasize the voices of survivors.

JRC’s founder, Bhuwan Ribhu, passionately addressed the gathering, calling on heads of state, government officials, and civil society leaders to confront the alarming reality of child marriage which continues to affect millions of children worldwide. "Child marriage, abuse, and violence are not merely injustices but outright crimes," Ribhu asserted. He emphasized that it is not only feasible to eradicate child marriage but also imperative, stating, "By uniting as a global community, we can ensure that these practices are prosecuted and prevented, not just legally but socially as well."

The event was organized in partnership with several prominent entities, including the office of H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, and the Governments of Kenya and Sierra Leone, among others. This collaboration marks a unified international response to a pressing humanitarian crisis. Notably, the event also saw the launch of a global campaign aimed at establishing the largest civil society network dedicated to ending child marriage.

Ribhu underscored the comprehensive nature of this issue: "Child marriage affects civil society, education, governance, and economic stability. It is a multi-faceted challenge that requires a holistic approach to prevention and solution-building."

A notable highlight of the event was the awarding of the Champions of Change Award to H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for her unparalleled commitment to the cause. Dr. Bio’s leadership was pivotal in the formulation and enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2024, which outlawed marriages for individuals under the age of 18, with no exceptions.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Bio humbly acknowledged the collective effort behind this achievement, saying, "I do not accept this award for myself alone, but on behalf of every community leader, teacher, young activist, and parent who has dared to dream of a better future for our girls. This award belongs to all who believe in giving every child a childhood free of fear and filled with opportunities."

The high-profile event featured various influential speakers. Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid, the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, reminded attendees that despite many countries enacting laws against child marriage, the practice persists, with one in five girls worldwide married as children. She pointed out the severe consequences of such marriages, which often lead to health risks, school dropout rates, and emotional trauma.

Carren Ageng'o, a leading figure from the Kenya government, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the necessity for sustained investment in programs that tackle child marriage and related abuses. She remarked that JRC has fostered a commitment among champions globally who are determined to abolish child marriage.

Isabelle Rome, the Ambassador-at-Large for Human Rights from France, added that ending child marriage also constitutes a critical public health and social justice issue. Her experience as a former judge shaped her robust support for JRC’s focus on prevention, protection, and the needed prosecution of offenders.

As an emblem of the impact of such gatherings, survivors shared their stories. One young woman from Zimbabwe recounted her harrowing experience with child marriage, shedding light on the mental scars that remain long after physical harm has healed.

The reality is stark and demands urgency; with only five years remaining to fulfill the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative spearheaded by JRC highlights the significant need for global cooperation to ensure that child marriage becomes a relic of the past.

As Just Rights for Children continues its mission, the hope is that by 2030, the world will see an end to child marriage, enabling children to pursue their dreams without the weight of oppression. With sustained advocacy and a commitment to justice, the journey is being paved for a safer, fairer future for children everywhere.