The Guardian view on child marriage: girls should not be wives
There’s growing agreement that under-18s need to be protected – but international turmoil is pushing many towards wedlock
TL;DR
- 23 girls worldwide marry every minute, with girls being disproportionately affected.
- Child marriage results in shortened education, increased poverty, domestic abuse, and poor health.
- Despite recent bans in several countries, there are signs of regression, particularly in regions with conflict or crisis.
- The Taliban's new judicial code enables child marriage below the previous minimum age.
- Child marriage rates have increased in Gaza due to the ongoing war.
- Some US states, Northern Ireland, and Scotland still permit marriage under 18 under certain conditions.
- Legal bans, even if sometimes evaded, send an important message and can lead to prosecution.
- Cuts to overseas aid threaten advocacy work crucial for helping communities resist child marriage.
- Ending child marriage requires prioritizing girls' educational and economic opportunities, reproductive healthcare, and security.