On Valentine’s Day, Yunfp debunks 5 myths about children’s marriages
The solution to the problem of children’s marriages requires not just legislation, but rethinking the role and value of girls and women in society. On Valentine’s Day, Yunfp debunks 5 myths about children’s marriages Human rights Almost every fifth of today’s young women of the planet was married in childhood. On Valentine’s Day, the UN Foundation in the field of population (Yunfpa) calls on all countries to say no “no” children’s marriages. This practice, despite its almost universal condemnation, remains widespread throughout the world. junfpa proposes to find out the truth about five common misconceptions on this topic. myth 1: Children’s marriages are always outlawed 62 ~ Children’s marriages are prohibited by many international agreements, from the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women to the program of the International Conference on the Population and Development of 1994. Nevertheless, in the world there are 640 million women and girls who have become brides in childhood, and every day this number increases. ~ 60 > how it is possible ? many Countries officially prohibit marriage unions among children, but at the same time determine the permissible age of marriage below 18 years, or allow excluding with the consent of the parents or in accordance with religious law or customs. In many cases, marriages are not legally registered, which complicates monitoring compliance with the law. so, solving the problem of children’s marriages requires not just legislation, but rethinking the role and value of girls and women in society, emphasize in Yunfp. ~ > such programs Like Taalim-i-Naubaligan in the state of Bihar, India, where 40 percent of children are married under the age of 18, help to change the situation. These initiatives encourage young people to think about such topics as gender roles and human rights. “Thanks to this, I was able to help my sister,” Altamash said, whose sister wanted to continue his studies instead of entering into an early marriage. – When I understood her desire and how this will help her, I convinced our father. Now she is going to complete her education, and I am very proud of it. ” myth 2: In some cases, children’s marriages need Children’s marriages remain widespread partly because they are considered as a solution to other problems. During humanitarian crises, the number of children’s marriages is often growing, as parents believe that marriage will ensure the future for the daughter, making her husband responsible for her financial support and protection against violence. The marriage is also considered as a solution that will preserve the “honor” of the girl and her family in case of pregnancy. In developing countries, most of the teenage pregnancy occurs precisely in marriage. read also: quarter of girls aged 15 to 19 years faced with violence from partners 62 > 62 > 62 >Children’s marriages are not a real solution to any of the problems, confident in Yunfp. Early alliances themselves lead to the fact that girls are highly risk of sexual, physical and emotional violence. In addition, complications of pregnancy and childbirth are one of the leading causes of mortality among teenage girls. Minor brides are often forced to throw school, which destroys their hopes for the future. myth 3: the problem comes to naught Children’s marriages may seem to be the problem of the past or relevant only for a number of countries, but in fact they remain a serious threat around the world. While the global indicators of children’s marriages are slowly reduced, the largest population growth is also observed in places with the highest indicators, which means that the absolute number of children’s marriages will increase. Most of the minor brides live in the Asia-Pacific region, and the highest share of children’s marriages is recorded in the countries of Africa south of Sahara. At the same time, the lack of progress in Latin America and the Caribbean means that by 2030 this region, according to forecasts, will take second place in the prevalence of children’s marriages. However, the problem is not limited to developing countries. “I was introduced to him in the morning and forced me to marry him that evening,” said Sarah Tasnim from the USA, who was forced to marry 15 years. to change the situation, it is necessary to accelerate actions to eradicate children’s marriages, in particular by expanding the rights and capabilities of girls, it is considered in Yunfp. ~ 60 > myth 4: We They should not interfere in the questions of traditions children’s marriages are sometimes incorrectly considered religious or cultural practice. However, there are no generally accepted traditions requiring marriage at an early age. In fact, cultural and religious leaders around the world oppose children’s marriages, especially when they learn about their negative consequences. “We always taught youth that it is inappropriate both from a religious and a legal point of view. We also explain that they should achieve other goals, primarily related to education before thinking about creating a family, ”said Yunfp Shirkhan Chobanov, Imam of the Juma Mosque in Tbilisi, Georgia. ~ 60 > myth 5: this happens only with girls 60 > in 2019 around the world there were 115 million boys and men who have married under the age of 18 years , and the highest indicators are observed in Latin America and the Caribbean. Such unions are associated with early paternity, terminated by education and limited prospects. ~ 60 > nonetheless, girls suffer more often: today about every fifth woman aged 20 to 24 years old got married Until its 18th anniversary, compared with one of 30 young men. ~ 60 > regardless of the child’s gender, children’s marriages have negative consequences and require the elimination of their indigenous causes, including inequality, limited Access to services and information in the field of sexual and reproductive health, as well as conflicts. ~ 60 > Kevin Liverpool, activist of the Cariman human rights group, believes that men and boys must play a decisive role. “It is important to increase awareness among different groups and people about what feminism is, why gender equality is important for both women and for men and society as a whole,” he said.