Early and Forced Marriage (child marriage) as a Form Open

The 31st GWI Conference resolves that:

1. National Federations and Associations (NFAs) urge their respective governments to promote the protection of girls, especially from harmful traditions, harmful cultural practices and harmful religious beliefs;
2. NFAs increase their efforts to make the case of Child Brides public in order to educate families about the negative consequences for child brides so as to protect the human rights of girls;
3. GWI encourage NFAs to seek strong support from governments and the judiciary, including appropriate legislation and publicity of positive judicial sentences, to increase awareness of early and forced marriage of girls and its consequent damaging effects; and
4. GWI utilize its consultative role with UNICEF, UNFPA and other international bodies to assist in the implementation of this resolution.

Suggested Action:

1. NFAs should urge their respective governments to implement the existing National and International laws related to early and forced marriage (Child Marriage);
2. NFAs should coordinate with Human Rights organizations and other NGOs to raise awareness about Child Marriage;
3. NFAs should encourage academic research to examine the causes and the consequences of Child Marriage;
4. NFAs should encourage local communities and the media to reach and educate families about Child Marriage; and
5. GWI should seek support from International Organizations in order to bring the issue of Child Marriage to greater public attention and enforce the implementation of existing laws.