On the occassion of the 1st United Nation's International Day of the Girl Child i.e. 11 October, four U.N. organization have urged India to address the issue of child marriage immediately and seek a political commitment to the goal of ending this harmful practice.

Keeping in view the fact that more than 40 percent of the world's child marriages happen in India and more than half of young girls are married before they attain the age of 18 years, the United Nation in its letter said that child marriage denies a girl childhood, disrupts her education, limits her opportunities, increases the risk of her becoming a victim of violence, jeopardizes her mental and physical health and most importantly it is a fundamental human right violation. Also this system is a major obstacle to the achievement of nearly every Millenium Development Goal and the development of a healthy community.

At times when the demand for lowering the age of marriage has sparked outrage, the UN has reaffirmed its commitment to work hand in hand with the government of India to deliver a multi-sectoral response to addressing child marriage, including strengthening law enforcement, investing in the education of girls and providing them skills to become economically empowered and self dependent.

Importance of the Article/ New/ Social Sector Initiatives

• Problems arising due to child marriage
• Suggestive Measures
• Government & Society
• Participation

Courtesy: The Hindu