UN Declares November 27 as Global Day to End Child Marriage

UN Establishes International Day to End Child Marriage

The United Nations has made a historic decision to declare November 27 as the 'International Day to End Child, Early and Forced Marriage'. This declaration signifies global recognition of the sustained efforts by civil society organizations like Just Rights for Children (JRC) worldwide, including in India.

Dharti Sanstha, a key associate organization of JRC based in Bhind district, Madhya Pradesh, hailed the move as a significant milestone in child protection. The initiative for this international day was spearheaded by JRC founder Bhuvan Ribhu.

Global Call for Action

In March 2026, during an address to the UN, Ribhu urged global leaders to establish a dedicated international day against child marriage. This proposal garnered support from global figures such as the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio.

With the backing of nearly 50 countries, including India, a resolution was presented to the UN General Assembly. On September 4, 2026, the UN unanimously passed this resolution, officially designating November 27 as a day for global awareness and action against child marriage.

Grassroots Efforts Recognized

"The voice that arose from India has today become a global resolution," said Anukriti Chauhan, Director of Dharti Sanstha, expressing her delight at the announcement.

Chauhan emphasized the significance of November 27, as it marks the anniversary of the 'Child Marriage Free India' campaign launch in 2024, a joint initiative with organizations like JRC.

She stressed that this is not just a moment for celebration but also an increased responsibility to intensify the fight against child marriage on the ground. Chauhan highlighted legal interventions in Bhind district, undertaken in collaboration with the government machinery, police, and local administration, alongside extensive awareness campaigns in schools, panchayats, and villages.

Comprehensive Strategy Against Child Marriage

Chauhan further explained that families vulnerable to child marriage and those economically disadvantaged have been linked to government welfare schemes. Children who dropped out of school have been readmitted.

The movement has been transformed into a mass public campaign by involving religious leaders, teachers, police administration, and various departments, the impact of which has now reached the United Nations.

JRC's Impact and Successes

JRC, along with its associate organizations, is conducting intensive campaigns against child marriage in all 782 districts of the country. This collective effort unites communities, schools, panchayats, tribal and marginalized sections, women, police personnel, religious leaders, and public representatives.

JRC's associate organizations have successfully prevented over 550,000 child marriages nationwide. This substantial figure serves as concrete proof that joint efforts by the government, administration, civil society, and the community are capable of eradicating social evils.

Declining Child Marriage Rates and Future Outlook

The positive impact of this extensive campaign is clearly reflected in the declining child marriage rates across the country. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), 23.3% of girls were married before the age of 18.

The latest data from the National Family Health Survey-6 (2023-24) shows this rate has reduced to 20.1%. The Indian government has set an ambitious target to bring down the child marriage rate to 10% by 2026.

With continuous efforts at both central and state levels, it is anticipated that this rate will fall below 15% by the end of 2026. This progress aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.3, which aims to eliminate all harmful practices, including child, early and forced marriage, by 2030.

The UN's designation of November 27 as the 'International Day to End Child, Early and Forced Marriage' is a crucial step towards realizing this global commitment, further strengthening the international community's resolve against the issue of child marriage.