<p>Child marriage is detrimental to the welfare of both, the boy and the girl. In spite of various rules and laws prohibiting the practice in countries across the world, thousands of underage individuals are forced to marry. Now, the United Nations has said that though the rate of child marriage is showing a decline, it is not enough and at this rate, the practice will continue to exist for 300 more years. UNICEF, in a report published on Tuesday (May 2), said that about 640 million girls, teens and women were victims of the practice of child marriage. The report,&nbsp;titled 'Is an End to Child Marriage Within Reach?' added that 12 million girls and teens the world over are becoming brides each year.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the definition of child marriage?</strong></h2>

<p>United Nations deems marriage under the age of 18 to be child marriage. The UN clearly says that child marriage is a "fundamental violation of human rights". It notes that though the practice of child marriage is more common among girls than it is among boys, it is a violation of rights "regardless of sex".</p>

<h2><strong>Problems caused by child marriage</strong></h2>

<p>When a girl is married off at a young age, it may result in early pregnancy. This and other issues may interrupt her schooling, limit her opportunities as well as bring her face-to-face with other problems, such as domestic violence.</p>

<p>In the case of a boy, child marriage may place him in adult roles for which he is unprepared. He will be overburdened with economic pressure which may come in the way of his progress in life.</p>

<p>Child marriage places both, boys and girls, in a position that's disadvantageous to them and one that keeps them from fulfilling their aspirations in life or even&nbsp;leading a normal life in a healthy and capable manner. This definitely does not bode well for the overall wellbeing of the global population.</p>

<h2><strong>Where is the practice most prevalent?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the data from the UN, child marriages are most prevalent in West and Central Africa. One in three women was married when she was under the age of 18 in these parts of the continent.</p>

<p>Child marriage levels are somewhat lower in eastern and southern Africa (32 per cent). In South Asia, the levels are at 26 per cent. When it comes to Latin America and the Caribbean, child marriages stand at&nbsp;the figure of 21 per cent, while in the Middle East and North Africa, it is 16 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is estimated that globally, 115 million boys and girls were married under the age of 18.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is the UN pessimistic about the abolition of child marriage?</strong></h2>

<p>The report released by UNICEF says that in the last 25 years, the rate of child marriages slowed down. The report mentions that in 1999, 25 per cent of young women between the ages of 20 and 24 were married before they were 18 years old.</p>

<p>The rate dropped to 23 per cent 15 years later. By 2022, the rate was at 19 per cent.</p>

<p>“In the last decade alone, a girl’s likelihood of marrying in childhood dropped by nearly half, from 46 per cent to 26 per cent,” the report said.</p>

<p>“Of all child marriages averted in the past 25 years, 78 per cent were in South Asia. This progress is driven largely by India, although notable declines have also been seen in Bangladesh, Maldives and Pakistan.”</p>

<p>However, in spite of the good signs, the UN says that the rate of decline is not enough and at this rate, the practice of child marriage would take 300 years for its complete abolition.</p>

<h2><strong>How is the future looking?</strong></h2>

<p>UNICEF has expressed fears that reverse trends might eliminate hard-won gains in the field of child marriage. The UN agency has mentioned issues like Covid pandemic, global conflicts and climate change as some of the reasons.</p>

<p>"The world is engulfed by crisis on top of crisis that are crushing the hopes and dreams of vulnerable children, especially girls who should be students, not brides,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell in a statement.</p>

<p>“Health and economic crises, escalating armed conflicts, and the ravaging effects of climate change are forcing families to seek a false sense of refuge in child marriage. We need to do everything in our power to ensure that their rights to an education and empowered lives are secured.”</p>

<p>UNICEF report said that the Covid pandemic alone could be responsible for more than 10 million child marriages between 2020 and 2030.</p>

<h2><strong>Concerns about Africa</strong></h2>

<p>UNICEF report on the end of child marriage mentions special concern about sub-Saharan Africa. The rate of child marriages is rising in the region. It is expected to show an increase of 10 per cent by 2030. The report says that girls in the region face the highest risk of child marriage globally.&nbsp;</p>

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Child marriage is detrimental to the welfare of both, the boy and the girl. In spite of various rules and laws prohibiting the practice in countries across the world, thousands of underage individuals are forced to marry.

Child marriage is detrimental to the welfare of both, the boy and the girl. In spite of various rules and laws prohibiting the practice in countries across the world, thousands of underage individuals are forced to marry. Now, the United Nations has said that though the rate of child marriage is showing a decline, it is not enough and at this rate, the practice will continue to exist for 300 more years. UNICEF, in a report published on Tuesday (May 2), said that about 640 million girls, teens and women were victims of the practice of child marriage. The report, titled 'Is an End to Child Marriage Within Reach?' added that 12 million girls and teens the world over are becoming brides each year. What is the definition of child marriage? United Nations deems marriage under the age of 18 to be child marriage. The UN clearly says that child marriage is a "fundamental violation of human rights". It notes that though the practice of child marriage is more common among girls than it is among boys, it is a violation of rights "regardless of sex". Problems caused by child marriage When a girl is married off at a young age, it may result in early pregnancy. This and other issues may interrupt her schooling, limit her opportunities as well as bring her face-to-face with other problems, such as domestic violence. In the case of a boy, child marriage may place him in adult roles for which he is unprepared. He will be overburdened with economic pressure which may come in the way of his progress in life. Child marriage places both, boys and girls, in a position that's disadvantageous to them and one that keeps them from fulfilling their aspirations in life or even leading a normal life in a healthy and capable manner. This definitely does not bode well for the overall wellbeing of the global population. Where is the practice most prevalent? According to the data from the UN, child marriages are most prevalent in West and Central Africa. One in three women was married when she was under the age of 18 in these parts of the continent. Child marriage levels are somewhat lower in eastern and southern Africa (32 per cent). In South Asia, the levels are at 26 per cent. When it comes to Latin America and the Caribbean, child marriages stand at the figure of 21 per cent, while in the Middle East and North Africa, it is 16 per cent. It is estimated that globally, 115 million boys and girls were married under the age of 18. Why is the UN pessimistic about the abolition of child marriage? The report released by UNICEF says that in the last 25 years, the rate of child marriages slowed down. The report mentions that in 1999, 25 per cent of young women between the ages of 20 and 24 were married before they were 18 years old. The rate dropped to 23 per cent 15 years later. By 2022, the rate was at 19 per cent. “In the last decade alone, a girl’s likelihood of marrying in childhood dropped by nearly half, from 46 per cent to 26 per cent,” the report said. “Of all child marriages averted in the past 25 years, 78 per cent were in South Asia. This progress is driven largely by India, although notable declines have also been seen in Bangladesh, Maldives and Pakistan.” However, in spite of the good signs, the UN says that the rate of decline is not enough and at this rate, the practice of child marriage would take 300 years for its complete abolition. How is the future looking? UNICEF has expressed fears that reverse trends might eliminate hard-won gains in the field of child marriage. The UN agency has mentioned issues like Covid pandemic, global conflicts and climate change as some of the reasons. "The world is engulfed by crisis on top of crisis that are crushing the hopes and dreams of vulnerable children, especially girls who should be students, not brides,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell in a statement. “Health and economic crises, escalating armed conflicts, and the ravaging effects of climate change are forcing families to seek a false sense of refuge in child marriage. We need to do everything in our power to ensure that their rights to an education and empowered lives are secured.” UNICEF report said that the Covid pandemic alone could be responsible for more than 10 million child marriages between 2020 and 2030. Concerns about Africa UNICEF report on the end of child marriage mentions special concern about sub-Saharan Africa. The rate of child marriages is rising in the region. It is expected to show an increase of 10 per cent by 2030. The report says that girls in the region face the highest risk of child marriage globally. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained | UN fears end of child marriage is still 300 years away. Here’s why

<p>About 2.9 million&nbsp;children in the age group of 10-14 years were reported married between 2001 and 2011, according to a report released by the country&#39;s apex child rights body today.</p>

<p>The report by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), based on Census 2011, is a statistical analysis of prevalence of such marriages, their genesis and geographical spread. It was released by Supreme Court judge Justice A K Sikri.</p>

<p>It states that despite the decline in child marriage, particularly in the age group of 10-14 years, there are 1.1 million boys and 1.8 million girls who were reported married in this age group between 2001-2011.</p>

<p>&quot;Child marriage violates the dignity of the child and is a major human rights violation. There are incongruities in different laws of the country dealing with child marriage and I urge lawmakers to address these disparities so that the social evil of child marriage is curbed. The NCPCR should tie up with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to conduct seminars in the target states with the help of paralegal volunteers,&quot; Justice Sikri said.</p>

<p>The analysis of the Census 2011 data identified 70 districts spread across 13 states with high rate of child marriages.<br />
These states are Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.</p>

<p>Though 13 districts in Rajasthan continue to figure prominently amongst the highest incidence districts with respect to child marriage, all these districts other than Banswara show a positive declining trend in child marriage over the decade.</p>

<p>Urban districts such as Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, Rangareddy and Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh and Davangere in Karnataka reveal an increase in marriage of girls below the legal age during the period.</p>

<p>Anand in Gujarat, Davangere in Karnataka and Dakshin Dinajpur in West Bengal are the districts where despite decrease in population between 2001 and 2011, incidence of child marriage among boys increased.</p>

<p>Women and child development ministry secretary Rakesh Srivastava said that the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 reported a decline in child marriage to 26 per cent from 47 per cent in NFHS-3, and hoped that NFHS-5 will find further decline in such marriages.</p>

<p>&quot;Recently Karnataka has amended the Prevention of Child Marriage Act, 2005 to make child marriage void and hoped that other states will follow suit. The NCPCR should conduct seminars and workshops in collaboration with the governments in the 13 states where child marriage is markedly prevalent,&quot; said Srivastava.</p>

<p>Analysing the reason behind child marriages, the NCPCR report states that girls in particular are married off because they are considered as &quot;paraya dhan&quot;&nbsp;or somebody else&#39;s wealth, and is often used by families to ensure that the girls is protected from premarital sex, pregnancy outside of marriage and the need to preserve &quot;family honour&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;Girl children from poor households are at higher risk of becoming child brides. Where resources are limited, gendered social risks become more acute and opportunities more constrained, forcing parents to make decisions which disadvantage girls,&quot; the report states.</p>

<p>The report has also made a slew of recommendations to combat child marriages. Promoting free and compulsory secondary education, compulsory registration of marriages, mobilisation of religious leaders and community elders are some of the interventions proposed in the report.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The report states that girls in particular are married off because they are considered as 'paraya dhan'?or somebody else's wealth

About 2.9 million children in the age group of 10-14 years were reported married between 2001 and 2011, according to a report released by the country's apex child rights body today. The report by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), based on Census 2011, is a statistical analysis of prevalence of such marriages, their genesis and geographical spread. It was released by Supreme Court judge Justice A K Sikri. It states that despite the decline in child marriage, particularly in the age group of 10-14 years, there are 1.1 million boys and 1.8 million girls who were reported married in this age group between 2001-2011. "Child marriage violates the dignity of the child and is a major human rights violation. There are incongruities in different laws of the country dealing with child marriage and I urge lawmakers to address these disparities so that the social evil of child marriage is curbed. The NCPCR should tie up with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to conduct seminars in the target states with the help of paralegal volunteers," Justice Sikri said. The analysis of the Census 2011 data identified 70 districts spread across 13 states with high rate of child marriages. These states are Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Though 13 districts in Rajasthan continue to figure prominently amongst the highest incidence districts with respect to child marriage, all these districts other than Banswara show a positive declining trend in child marriage over the decade. Urban districts such as Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, Rangareddy and Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh and Davangere in Karnataka reveal an increase in marriage of girls below the legal age during the period. Anand in Gujarat, Davangere in Karnataka and Dakshin Dinajpur in West Bengal are the districts where despite decrease in population between 2001 and 2011, incidence of child marriage among boys increased. Women and child development ministry secretary Rakesh Srivastava said that the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 reported a decline in child marriage to 26 per cent from 47 per cent in NFHS-3, and hoped that NFHS-5 will find further decline in such marriages. "Recently Karnataka has amended the Prevention of Child Marriage Act, 2005 to make child marriage void and hoped that other states will follow suit. The NCPCR should conduct seminars and workshops in collaboration with the governments in the 13 states where child marriage is markedly prevalent," said Srivastava. Analysing the reason behind child marriages, the NCPCR report states that girls in particular are married off because they are considered as "paraya dhan" or somebody else's wealth, and is often used by families to ensure that the girls is protected from premarital sex, pregnancy outside of marriage and the need to preserve "family honour". "Girl children from poor households are at higher risk of becoming child brides. Where resources are limited, gendered social risks become more acute and opportunities more constrained, forcing parents to make decisions which disadvantage girls," the report states. The report has also made a slew of recommendations to combat child marriages. Promoting free and compulsory secondary education, compulsory registration of marriages, mobilisation of religious leaders and community elders are some of the interventions proposed in the report. (PTI)

In India, 2.9 million children got married between 10-14 years of age between 2001-2011: Report

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Explained | UN fears end of child marriage is still 300 years away. Here’s why

In India, 2.9 million children got married between 10-14 years of age between 2001-2011: Report