The UNGA has unanimously adopted a resolution declaring November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. 

• Sierra Leone led the resolution, which was co-sponsored by India and around 70 other countries.
• The date has particular significance for India as Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat was launched on November 27, 2024.

What is Child Marriage?

Child marriage refers to a marriage in which either party is below the legally prescribed age of marriage. It is closely linked with poverty, school dropout, gender inequality, lack of awareness and limited economic opportunities.

The United Nations recognises child, early and forced marriage as a harmful practice that can adversely affect education, health, economic opportunities and the human rights of girls. As per NFHS-6 (2023-24) India has 20.1 % of Child marriage.

India’s Efforts

• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 provides the principal legal framework in India for preventing child marriage and protecting children from its consequences.
  • The law generally defines a child as a male below 21 years or a female below 18 years for the purposes of the Act.
• Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat, launched in 2024, to reduce prevalence of Child marriage to 10% by 2026, and making India child-marriage-free by 2030.
  • The campaign places emphasis on education, community mobilisation, law enforcement and empowerment of girls, recognising that legal prohibition alone cannot eliminate the practice.

Global and Sustainable Development Context

• The UN resolution encourages countries to adopt holistic and multisectoral national strategies, invest in quality education for girls and enable married girls and young women to continue or return to education.
• The initiative directly supports SDG 5 on Gender Equality, particularly Target 5.3, which calls for the elimination of harmful practices such as child, early and forced marriage.

One-line wrap: Ending child marriage means protecting not just childhood, but a girl’s right to education, dignity, choice and a better future.