Kenya backs global push to end child marriage

The resolution, adopted unanimously by the 193-member UN General Assembly, creates an annual global platform to push for stronger action against child marriage and improve the protection of children, particularly girls.

Kenya is among 20 African countries that co-sponsored the resolution, alongside The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia.

The move places the issue of child marriage firmly on the international agenda as countries seek to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, including targets on education, gender equality, health and child protection.

Sierra Leone First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio, who championed the initiative, told the General Assembly that the new international day should be viewed as a call to action rather than an end in itself.

“An International Day cannot, by itself, end child marriage. But political attention can. Strong laws can. Effective institutions can. Education can. Economic opportunities can. Community leadership can. And, above all, sustained political will can,” Dr Bio said.

She said the practice continues to deny millions of girls the opportunity to complete their education, make decisions about their futures and live free from violence and exploitation.

“Behind every statistic on child, early and forced marriage is a child. There is a name. There is a dream. There is a future,” she said.

Dr Bio also called on countries to strengthen legislation and ensure that laws protecting children are effectively implemented.

The resolution encourages governments to adopt comprehensive measures to prevent child marriage, including stronger laws, improved access to education and greater protection for girls at risk.

For Kenya and other African countries that supported the resolution, the focus will now shift to translating the international commitment into measures that protect children at the national and community levels.

The initiative was also supported by child rights advocate Bhuwan Ribhu, founder of Just Rights for Children, who called on governments to take decisive action towards ending child marriage by 2030.

“Now is the time for governments to provide decisive leadership to end child marriage by 2030 and ensure education, protection and development of every child,” Ribhu said.

The November 27 observance will provide an annual opportunity for countries to assess progress, highlight gaps in protection and renew efforts to eliminate child, early and forced marriage.

For Kenya, its participation as a co-sponsor adds the country's voice to a broader African and global push to ensure girls are protected from early and forced unions and can remain in school and pursue their futures.