28th August 2024
- Only people over the age of 18 should have the capacity to marry, without any exceptions.
- Colombia must raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 without exceptions.
This policy brief advocates for essential reforms to combat child, early, and forced marriage and unions (CEFMU) in Colombia. These harmful practices deprive girls and adolescents of their potential and perpetuate cycles of poverty and harm. Despite global efforts, CEFMU remains prevalent in Latin America and the Caribbean, with Colombia ranking 20th worldwide in early marriages and unions for girls under 15. Deeply ingrained social and gender norms sustain this issue, which often goes unrecognised.
Equality Now strongly welcomes and supports Bill PL 155/2023C, currently being discussed before Congress, which aims to prohibit CEFMU and establish a National Program for Comprehensive Care for children and adolescents.
As argued in this policy brief, passing this bill is essential for eradicating CEFMU in Colombia and ensuring the country’s compliance with its obligations under international and regional human rights law.