Resources on Child/Forced Marriage

 

Sometimes called "early marriage," Child/Forced marriage is the marriage of girls under the age of 18, which is usually forced. Article 16 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that marriage “shall be entered only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.” Minors cannot give their consent, though, because they do not meet the legal standards for informed decision-making. Child marriage both violates human rights and hinders development. Young girls who marry as children must usually leave school and are therefore unable to reach their full economic, social, and intellectual potential. There are also many physical and emotional health risks linked to early sexual activity and child-bearing.

 

 

Documents

  

     International Center for Research on Women

          How to End Child Marriage: Action Strategies for Prevention and Protection   PDF English

 

 

     UNICEF

          Early Marriage: Child Spouses   PDF English   PDF French

 

     USAID
           Preventing Child Marriage: Protecting Girls' Health   PDF English

 

 

 Web Resources

 

     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

          Health Consequences of Child Marriage in Africa   website

    

     Child Rights Information Network

    

     International Women's Health Coalition

          Child Marriage: Girls 14 and Younger at Risk   website
 

     International Center for Research on Women

          Know the Facts: Research Shows that Child Marriage is...   website

  

     Population Council

          Transitions to Adulthood: Child Marriage/Married Adolescents   website 

       

     UNICEF

          Child Protection from Violence, Exploitation and Abuse: Child Marriage   website

 

 

Please visit our Ending Child/Forced Marriage program page to learn how the communities Tostan works with are ending this tradition.