Elimination of Child Marriage as One of the Measures to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030

Abstract

Children are one of the most vulnerable groups of people due to their young age and immaturity, and as such they receive special protection in all areas. This is reflected in the extensive legal protection provided in several international instruments and national laws. One of the indicators that countries and international organizations are taking steps to protect them is also the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was launched in 2015 by the Member States of the United Nations out of the multiannual »let's change the world« vision. It sets out 17 goals and actions to improve the world, with children as an important target group. A key action in the light of child protection is the elimination of harmful practices, covered by the Gender Equality Goal, which, among other things, aims to eradicate all harmful practices by 2030, such as child marriage, which have a strong impact on children, (mostly) girls, as they affect several aspects of the lives of »child brides« and could help achieve several Sustainable Development Goals.