Archive · 7 Sep 2026
UN Declares November 27 Global Day to End Child Marriage
The United Nations chose November 27 as a special day to fight child marriage.
Child marriage means a child is made to marry before they are ready.
The decision recognized work that began in India.
The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign was launched on November 27, 2024.
Sierra Leone and 67 supporting countries helped bring the proposal to the UN.
Groups in India say they have helped stop many child marriages.
One student was able to avoid an engagement and continue her education.
Another girl left a harmful marriage and also returned to education.
Leaders said the new international day must lead to real action in villages and communities.
The United Nations designated November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child Marriage, Early and Forced Marriage.
Vasavya Mahila Mandali credited the Just Rights for Children campaign and welcomed the resolution as global recognition of India-led efforts.
Sierra Leone introduced the resolution with support from 67 countries, including India; the UN adopted it on September 4.
Vasavya Mahila Mandali said it has prevented 2,175 child marriages, while JRC reported more than 5.5 lakh prevented nationwide.
India aims to reduce child marriage prevalence by 10% by 2026 and eliminate the practice globally by 2030 under SDG 5.3.
- Who
- The United Nations, Sierra Leone, India, Just Rights for Children, Vasavya Mahila Mandali and partner organizations are involved.
- What
- The UN designated November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child Marriage, Early and Forced Marriage.
- When
- The resolution was adopted on September 4; the annual international day will be observed on November 27. The Indian campaign began on November 27, 2024.
- Where
- The decision was made at the United Nations, while prevention efforts described in the report are taking place across India, including Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- The designation aims to strengthen global action to eliminate child marriage, with a global target of 2030.
Global Recognition
Action Required
Meaning of the UN designation
Global Recognition
Supporters described the decision as a historic achievement and recognition of efforts led by India and Just Rights for Children.
Action Required
Vasavya Mahila Mandali said the designation should not be treated only as a reason for celebration and must produce action on the ground.
Progress against child marriage
Global Recognition
Campaign organizers cited the prevention of more than 5.5 lakh child marriages in India and a decline in prevalence among women aged 20–24 from 23.3% to 20.1%.
Action Required
Campaign leaders stressed that the effort remains incomplete while even one child remains at risk of child marriage.
- International day
- November 27
- Resolution sponsor
- Sierra Leone, supported by 67 countries including India
- UN adoption date
- September 4
- Vasavya Mahila Mandali interventions
- 2,175 child marriages prevented
- JRC reported impact
- More than 5.5 lakh child marriages prevented in India
- Geographic reach
- Partner organizations worked with governments and law-enforcement agencies across 782 districts
- India’s target
- Reduce prevalence by 10% by 2026
- Global goal
- Eliminate child marriage by 2030 under SDG 5.3