CHR pushes to end child marriage in PH
Published Mar 6, 2020 12:00 am
By Czarina Nicole Ong Ki
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is urging the immediate passage of a legislation that would put a stop to child marriage in the country.
Commission on Human Rights (MANILA BULLETIN)
CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement that marriage before the age of 18 is a fundamental violation of the right of every child, and it will impact every child of his or her dignity and life.
"In the Philippines and around the world, child marriage affects both girls and boys, both in urban and rural areas," she said. "Early marriage halts their ability to realize a wide range of human rights as it denies them of their childhood, disrupts their education, increases the risk of violence, jeopardizes their health and safety, and limits full participation in public life."
De Guia said there are several factors that prompt children to early marriage. These include poverty, customary or religious laws, conflicts, and other cultural and social norms.
She even cited a UNICEF survey conducted back in 2017 which showed that 15 percent of Filipino girls are married before their 18th birthday and two percent are married before the age of 15.
"It is high time that we pass a robust legislative framework geared toward protecting children from the harmful practices of child marriage. Every individual girl and boy should not be robbed of their freedom to make meaningful decisions about their marriage, sexual health, safety and wellbeing, especially at an age when they are not yet physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially ready," she said.
By signing and ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), de Guia said the Philippine government will be adopting the principles of “best interests of the child” and “ensuring that no one is left behind.”
This is because CRC sets a minimum age of marriage of 18, while CEDAW obligates states to ensure free and full consent to marriage.
"The government should also develop programs to prevent child marriages such as empowering young people with information and support networks, while engaging and educating parents and community members about the negative effects of child marriage," said de Guia.
Commission on Human Rights (MANILA BULLETIN)
CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement that marriage before the age of 18 is a fundamental violation of the right of every child, and it will impact every child of his or her dignity and life.
"In the Philippines and around the world, child marriage affects both girls and boys, both in urban and rural areas," she said. "Early marriage halts their ability to realize a wide range of human rights as it denies them of their childhood, disrupts their education, increases the risk of violence, jeopardizes their health and safety, and limits full participation in public life."
De Guia said there are several factors that prompt children to early marriage. These include poverty, customary or religious laws, conflicts, and other cultural and social norms.
She even cited a UNICEF survey conducted back in 2017 which showed that 15 percent of Filipino girls are married before their 18th birthday and two percent are married before the age of 15.
"It is high time that we pass a robust legislative framework geared toward protecting children from the harmful practices of child marriage. Every individual girl and boy should not be robbed of their freedom to make meaningful decisions about their marriage, sexual health, safety and wellbeing, especially at an age when they are not yet physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially ready," she said.
By signing and ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), de Guia said the Philippine government will be adopting the principles of “best interests of the child” and “ensuring that no one is left behind.”
This is because CRC sets a minimum age of marriage of 18, while CEDAW obligates states to ensure free and full consent to marriage.
"The government should also develop programs to prevent child marriages such as empowering young people with information and support networks, while engaging and educating parents and community members about the negative effects of child marriage," said de Guia.