Canada and Zambia lead on UN resolution to end child, early and forced marriage

November 18, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement: 

“Today, the United Nations General Assembly adopted its sixth resolution on ending child, early and forced marriage. This is the 10th anniversary of Canada and Zambia’s partnership leading this resolution together. While good progress has been made, we must continue to collectively accelerate efforts to prevent, address and eliminate child, early and forced marriage by 2030.

“We are proud that the resolution received broad cross-regional support from a total of 123 co-sponsors, reaffirming the vital importance of this issue in addressing poverty and achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.  

“Child, early and forced marriage is an abuse of human rights and a major obstacle to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It stops childhood—often resulting in an end to the girl’s education—limits prospects for employment and increases risks to her health.

“Despite progress in reducing child, early and forced marriage over the last decade, the impact of global crises, such as conflicts, disasters, economic shocks and the adverse effects of climate change, risk increasing the vulnerability of millions of girls and women. We cannot afford to lose these hard-won gains. 

“Canada is committed to continuing to work with the international community to end this harmful practice, especially in countries most affected. 

“Women’s and girls’ rights are human rights. Now is the time to work together to redouble our efforts at all levels to end this abuse and to continue advancing gender equality.”