New Delhi: The United Nations has officially designated November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, marking a significant step in the global campaign against child marriage and giving international recognition to efforts led by civil society and governments.
The resolution was introduced at the United Nations by Sierra Leone on September 4 and was subsequently adopted. The development follows a proposal by child rights campaigner Bhuwan Ribhu, who had called for a dedicated international day to strengthen global action against the practice.
November 27 also holds particular significance for India. The date marks the launch of the Government of India’s Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign in 2024. The Child Marriage Free India campaign, launched in 2023, has brought together communities, children and organisations to raise awareness and encourage action against child marriage.
Ribhu welcomed the UN decision, describing it as a major moment for India’s child protection movement. He called for governments around the world to demonstrate stronger leadership and work towards eliminating child marriage by 2030 while ensuring children have access to education, protection and opportunities for development.
India has also recorded progress in reducing the prevalence of child marriage. According to national health survey data, the proportion of women aged 20 to 24 who were married before turning 18 declined from 23.3 per cent in 2019 to 2021 to 20.1 per cent in 2023 to 2024.
The Indian government has set a target of reducing child marriage prevalence by 10 per cent by 2026.
The new international day is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5, particularly Target 5.3, which calls for an end to harmful practices including child, early and forced marriage. The UN decision is expected to strengthen awareness and encourage governments, communities and organisations to intensify efforts towards ending the practice globally.
