India has co-sponsored a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to declare November 27 every year as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. The resolution was led by Sierra Leone and supported by around 70 countries, including India. It aims to increase global efforts to prevent child marriage and protect the rights of children, especially girls. India had launched the ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ (Child Marriage Free India) campaign on November 27, 2024. The campaign aims to reduce child marriage by 10% by 2026 and make India free from child marriage by 2030. The UN resolution calls on countries to create strong national plans and work together to end child, early and forced marriages. The UN has recognised the practice as a serious violation of human rights.
Child marriage can stop girls from continuing their education and can affect their health, safety and future job opportunities. It can also increase their risk of violence and exploitation and contribute to poverty. Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and child-rights activist Bhuwan Ribhu welcomed the decision. They said November 27 will serve as a global reminder for governments, communities, schools and organisations to take stronger action against child marriage. The adoption of the resolution by the 193-member UN General Assembly is being seen as an important step in the worldwide campaign to protect children and end child marriage.
