UN Urges Action on Child Marriage and Girls' Rights

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The United Nations is marking the International Day of the Girl on Oct. 11 with a renewed call to end child marriage and increase investment in girls' rights, warning that more than 12 million girls are still married before adulthood every year.

Observed annually on Oct. 11, the day is intended to highlight girls' rights, leadership and the challenges they continue to face around the world.

The United Nations said the 2026 theme, "End child marriage and invest in girls' rights," was developed through consultations with girls, girl-led organizations, civil society groups and UN partners.

According to the UN, more than 12 million girls enter marriage before reaching adulthood each year, roughly one girl every three seconds.

The highest prevalence is in sub-Saharan Africa, where 31% of girls are affected.

The UN says child marriage can prevent girls from remaining in school, expose them to violence and harm their physical and mental health.

It is also associated with social isolation, depression and emotional distress, particularly during adolescence.

The organization stressed, however, that progress is possible.

Over the past 25 years, an estimated 68 million child marriages have been prevented through measures including greater access to education, changes to laws and stronger social-protection systems.

The UN is calling for continued efforts to keep girls in school, expand access to health and protection services, work with families and communities to challenge harmful social norms, and increase support for girls' leadership.

The organization is also urging governments and communities to ensure that girls themselves take part in decisions affecting their lives.

As part of this year's campaign, the UN highlighted the story of Salma, who was forced into marriage at the age of 15 and later experienced gender-based violence.

She has since returned to school and is pursuing her ambition of becoming a doctor.

Her experience was presented as an example of both the risks associated with child marriage and the opportunities that can emerge when girls regain access to education and support.

The International Day of the Girl has its roots in decades of international efforts to promote the rights of women and girls.

In 1995, governments meeting at the World Conference on Women in Beijing adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was the first major international framework to specifically recognize girls' rights.

On Dec. 19, 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170, formally designating Oct. 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child.

The observance focuses on the specific challenges girls face while promoting their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

The UN says adolescent girls have the right to live safe, healthy and educated lives and, when adequately supported, can contribute significantly to their families, communities and societies.

It also links girls' rights to the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, arguing that progress on gender equality is essential across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

This year's message places particular emphasis on turning commitments into practical action.

The UN is calling on governments, organizations and communities to support laws, policies and investments that prevent child marriage, protect girls from violence and ensure access to education and services.

It is also encouraging individuals to challenge harmful practices and amplify girls' voices.

The central message of the 2026 observance is that ending child marriage is not only about preventing harm, but also about giving girls the freedom to determine their own futures.