BOGOTÁ, Colombia (ChatnewsTV) — Colombia has become the latest nation to outlaw child marriage without exceptions, following a decisive vote by the Senate on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The newly passed legislation prohibits marriage and de facto marital unions for anyone under the age of 18, marking a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of minors.
“This reform is a crucial victory for gender equality and the protection of children and adolescents,” said a spokesperson for the Senate. “By eliminating all exceptions, Colombia is taking a firm stand against harmful practices that violate fundamental rights, such as the right to equality, protection from violence, and opportunities for integral development.”
The move addresses a longstanding legal loophole that had permitted child marriages under certain conditions, exposing minors—especially girls—to a higher risk of violence, early pregnancies, and school dropout, particularly in rural, Afro-Colombian, and Indigenous communities.
Despite progress in recent years, child marriage and early unions have persisted in Colombia. The country ranks 11th in Latin America and 20th globally in the number of adolescents who marry or form early unions before turning 15. These unions often involve older men and younger girls, exacerbating power imbalances and increasing the risk of domestic violence.
“These marriages are a form of exploitation, with young girls frequently losing access to education and facing a future of economic dependency,” said a local advocate from Girls Not Brides, a network of organizations dedicated to ending child marriage.
The new law aligns Colombia’s policies with international human rights standards, such as the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women, also known as the Belém do Pará Convention. Colombia’s decision to eliminate exceptions follows decades of international and domestic advocacy to strengthen protections for minors.
According to the United Nations, child marriage is a severe human rights violation that perpetuates cycles of poverty and gender inequality. The Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) both emphasize that no child should marry—even with parental consent—due to the potential for significant harm.
“By banning child marriage, Colombia is honoring its obligations under various international conventions and taking a bold step to empower its young population,” said a representative from Profamilia, a Colombian sexual and reproductive health organization.
Civil society groups in Colombia have long fought for a total ban on child marriage. Previous attempts to pass similar legislation had repeatedly failed. The newly enacted law represents the ninth effort to address child marriage, following years of advocacy by organizations such as Fundación Juanfe, Poderosas, and La Colada. In August, several groups published a policy brief outlining the critical need to pass the bill, emphasizing Colombia’s commitments under global human rights frameworks.
An advocacy breakfast with senators, organized by local NGOs during the First Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children, played a pivotal role in swaying opinion. The event culminated with a promise from Senate President to prioritize the vote, a commitment fulfilled with Wednesday’s passage of the legislation.
Beyond Legislation: Implementation is Key
While the new law bans all forms of child marriage, advocates caution that effective enforcement is essential. The legislation includes provisions for public education campaigns, the creation of a National Program of Comprehensive Care for children, and annual reports to Congress from the Ministry of Equality and Equity to monitor the law’s impact.
“Passing the law is a vital first step, but real change will require addressing the deep-rooted causes of child marriage, including poverty, lack of education, and gender discrimination,” said a spokesperson from Genfami, another advocacy organization involved in the campaign.
By closing the legal pathway for child marriage, Colombia aims to foster a culture that prioritizes education and personal development over early unions, paving the way for greater opportunities for girls and young women.
“This reform will not only improve the lives of girls in Colombia but also sets a powerful example for the region,” added the advocate from Girls Not Brides.
