Archive · 6 Sep 2026
UN Names November 27 Global Day Against Child Marriage
The United Nations has chosen November 27 as a day to focus on ending child marriage.
Child marriage means someone gets married before they are old enough.
Assam has been taking strong action against these marriages.
Officials say thousands of cases were registered and many people were arrested.
A study also found that reported child marriages dropped sharply in the state.
Assam is trying to keep girls in school so they can delay marriage.
The government gives financial support to some girls studying after secondary school.
Assam’s chief minister says the state wants to eliminate child marriage by 2026.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the decision and highlighted the state’s enforcement campaign.
Assam recorded 12,196 child marriage cases and more than 11,000 arrests over the past five years, according to state government figures.
A study across 1,132 villages found reported child marriages in Assam fell 81%, from 3,225 in 2021-22 to 627 in 2023-24.
Assam has combined enforcement with education support, including the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina scheme, while targeting elimination by 2026.
- Who
- The United Nations General Assembly, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam government, and campaign groups including NDTV and Just Rights for Children.
- What
- The UN designated November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage, highlighting Assam’s anti-child-marriage campaign.
- When
- The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution on September 4; November 27 will be observed internationally.
- Where
- The decision applies internationally, while the enforcement results and initiatives highlighted are from Assam, India.
- Why
- The international observance is intended to increase awareness and action against child, early, and forced marriage.
- International observance
- November 27 was designated the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage.
- Resolution date
- The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution on September 4.
- Assam cases
- The Assam government cited 12,196 registered child marriage cases over five years.
- Arrests
- More than 11,000 arrests were cited by the Assam government.
- Reported decline
- A study found an 81% decline in reported child marriages across 1,132 villages in 20 districts.
- Education initiative
- The Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina scheme provides financial support to girls pursuing higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate education.
- State target
- Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly set 2026 as Assam’s target for eliminating child marriage.