Reference:
[March 2001] Innocenti Digest No.7, Innocenti Research Centre: Florence, Italy.
Annotation:
This report looks at the scope of child marriage, the reasons for the perpetuation of early marriage (e.g. poverty, protection of girls, stability) and the harmful impact of the practice on children and society (e.g. injury or death due to pregnancy and childbirth, slave labour, lack of education, illiteracy). Guidelines to end the practice are provided, such as attitudinal change, educational opportunities for children, support to families and children, and the recognition of girls as valuable members of society. This report details international human rights that apply to early marriage. The report concludes with an extensive list of contact information for major intergovernmental organizations and international and regional NGOs working on issues related to early marriage. [Descriptors: Marriage - International]