Politics · India Bureau
India co-sponsors UN resolution establishing global day against child marriage
India has joined other nations in backing a United Nations General Assembly resolution that designates November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. The move aligns with India's own campaign to eradicate the practice by 2030.
LSN India ·
The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted by consensus on Friday a resolution proclaiming November 27 each year as a dedicated global observance against child marriage. The resolution, led by Sierra Leone, was supported by India among numerous co-sponsoring nations.
The timing of the international designation carries particular significance for India. On November 27, 2024, the country launched 'Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat'—the Child Marriage Free India campaign—which sets ambitious targets to reduce child marriage prevalence by 10 per cent by 2026 and achieve complete elimination by 2030.
The initiative reflects growing international momentum to address the practice. Sierra Leone's First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, who heads the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, and child rights advocate Bhuwan Ribhu of Just Rights for Children played key roles in mobilising global support for establishing the dedicated observance day.
Child marriage remains a significant challenge across South and Southeast Asia, affecting millions of girls and boys annually. The establishment of a dedicated international day aims to raise awareness, mobilise resources, and strengthen commitments toward ending the practice globally.