In November, after multiple failed attempts, lawmakers in Colombia from across the political spectrum successfully passed a historic bill to modernize legislation that had remained unchanged since 1887. This outdated legal framework allowed practices that violated the rights of children and adolescents, a concern highlighted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). According to UNICEF, one in five girls aged 14 to 18 in Colombia is currently in a union.
“This achievement was made possible by securing consensus across all political parties,” stated Senator Clara López. “The legislation not only prohibits child marriage but also introduces a robust public policy designed to shift societal norms and raise awareness about the profound harm caused by these unions. It is a step forward in protecting children and adolescents.”
Activists Celebrate the Milestone
Activists have hailed the Colombian Parliament’s move to eliminate child marriage. The news was met with approval from global organizations championing children’s and women’s rights.
“We want to congratulate Colombia on this monumental step,” declared Bibiana Aido Almagro, head of UN Women in Colombia. She emphasized that such harmful practices violate fundamental rights, including the rights to life, health, education, and development, particularly for girls and young women.
Andrea Tague Montaña, gender and development officer at UNICEF in Colombia, also praised the decision as a significant win against entrenched harmful traditions. “Child marriages and early unions lead to gender-based violence and trap young girls in cycles of poverty. These practices reinforce discrimination and perpetuate the belief that the ultimate role for girls is to marry and bear children,” Ms. Montaña explained.
Tackling Unequal Power Dynamics
Ms. Montaña further elaborated on the detrimental effects of these unions, emphasizing the unequal power dynamics often present when young girls marry older partners. “Girls in such relationships have limited opportunity to make decisions about their own lives—whether it’s about having sexual relations, the number of children they want, or the life paths they wish to pursue,” she said.
Instead, these girls are thrust into adult roles prematurely, taking on responsibilities such as domestic labor, caregiving, and other forms of child labor. “They stop studying, lose basic rights, and are forced into a lifestyle that is inappropriate for their age,” she added.
Ms. Montaña stressed the need for societal change: “We must stop normalizing early unions. This is a clear violation of rights. Girls do not cease being children just because they are living with a man.”
Strengthening Public Policy and Protecting Vulnerable Communities
The new law goes beyond prohibition by establishing measures to strengthen national public policy around childhood and adolescence. It includes programs to restore the rights of children and adolescents affected by early unions, with a focus on reaching remote rural areas. Special attention will be given to indigenous peoples and other vulnerable communities to ensure inclusivity and protection.
The legislation’s implementation will mark a transformative shift in safeguarding children’s rights and securing a better future for Colombia’s youth. The bill awaits its final enactment, which will occur once it is signed into law by President Gustavo Petro.
Leave a Reply