Child Marriage

Since 2018, many states have banned child marriage; however, most still permit minors to marry with various approvals. A recent child endangerment case in Ohio increased national discussion about this issue, prompting legislative efforts like the bill passed by senators in Ohio. Oklahoma recently strengthened protections by passing a law that removed all exceptions for marrying under age 18.

Recurring floods in Pakistan have caused significant disruptions to education and health systems, displacing millions of children and exacerbating issues like child marriage. The 2022 and 2025 floods destroyed thousands of schools, increased out-of-school rates, and linked to an 18% rise in child marriages, disproportionately affecting girls.

The government is collaborating with civil society organisations to eliminate child marriage by 2030, as stated by Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur. She emphasized that saving a child's life is noble, noting many young girls are victims of trafficking.

A Child Welfare Committee (CWC) rescued a 14-year-old pregnant girl from a child marriage in Krishna district. The incident highlights efforts to prevent underage marriages and protect minors in the region.

The European Union has emphasized that Pakistan must reapply for GSP-Plus benefits by 2028 under new trade rules, requiring reforms in labor, human rights, and environmental policies to retain preferential market access. Pakistan’s textile sector, a major beneficiary, faces significant economic risks if the GSP-Plus is lost, as it supports millions of livelihoods.

A man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping a minor. The survivor's parents and husband also received jail terms for facilitating the child marriage.

A man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for child marriage and rape. The court ordered monetary compensation to aid the victim's rehabilitation.

Child marriage with parental consent remains legal in Wisconsin, where Republican legislative leaders have blocked Democratic proposals to ban the practice. Oklahoma recently became the 17th state to prohibit child marriage, but Wisconsin allows 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with parental permission, with 297 minors married between 2015 and 2024.

Ohio's top Republican legislative leaders disagree on whether child marriage should be debated in the state legislature. A bill to end child marriages remains stalled in a Senate committee despite no public opposition, with religious activists arguing exceptions should be allowed in cases of teen pregnancy.

War and displacement in Gaza have led to a rise in early marriages, with parents marrying off young daughters for financial stability amid humanitarian crisis. Data shows 20.6% of marriages in 2024-2025 involved girls under 18, reversing prior declines.

Displacement and hunger in Gaza have led some families to marry off their children, with 20.6% of marriages in 2023 involving girls under 18. These young brides often face abuse, rape, and difficult pregnancies.

The Taliban in Afghanistan has introduced a law allowing child marriage without a minimum age for girls, raising concerns about human rights and child welfare.

The Taliban in Afghanistan has introduced a law eliminating the minimum age requirement for girls in child marriages, effectively allowing marriages at any age. This policy shift contradicts international norms and human rights standards.

The Taliban's recognition of child marriage in Afghanistan has led to girls and infants being married off, raising concerns about their safety and rights. The practice highlights risks of sexual violence before puberty, with families offering little hope for protection.

The Taliban's recognition of child marriage in Afghanistan has led to the forced marriage of girls and infants, with families fearing sexual violence against minors before puberty. The practice highlights a severe violation of human rights under Taliban rule.

The United Nations expressed grave concern about a new Taliban decree on marriage separation that includes child marriage provisions, stating it discriminates against women and girls. Afghanistan's government defended the decree, claiming it follows Islamic law and that the country has already banned forced marriage of girls.

The UN has condemned a new Taliban law that permits child marriage, which includes specific guidelines regarding 'virgin girls' and 'reaching puberty'. The legislation represents a significant concern for international human rights organizations and the United Nations.

A Virginia congressman defended a 2024 vote related to child marriage in an audio clip. Other headlines include legal challenges to an assault weapons ban, a new paid family and medical leave program with potential low costs, increased campus gun restrictions in Virginia, and a grilled cheese festival in a Virginia town.