Fact Sheet No.23, Harmful Traditional Practices Affecting

This fact sheet acknowledges that although harmful traditional practices such as early marriage and early child bearing violate international human rights laws, "such practices persist because they are not questioned and take on an aura of morality in the eyes of those practicing them." It is argued that these practices persist in environments where women and female children have unequal access to education, wealth, health and employment. Part I identifies and analyses the causes and consequences of harmful traditional practices, while Part II reviews actions taken by United Nations agencies, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Conclusions highlight the drawbacks in the implementation of the practical steps identified by the United Nations, NGOs and women's organizations. Annexed to this fact sheet is a "Plan of Action for the Elimination of Harmful Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children." [Descriptors: Marriage, International]