UN declares 27 November as International Day to End Child, Early and Forced Marriage
20 countries of Africa are co-sponsors to this historic resolution including Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.
Championed by Sierra Leone’s First Lady and Bhuwan Ribhu
The call for the creation of an International day against child marriage was initiated by Bhuwan Ribhu, Founder of Just Rights for Children, an international network working to protect children from all forms of violence, exploitation and sexual abuse. At Commission for Status for Women in March 2026, he said that the International Day would serve as a global reminder of the need for accountability for unified action by governments, civil society, faith leaders, schools, communities and children.
The initiative was advanced through the decisive political leadership of H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, who led efforts to advance the initiative before the international community.
A Global Mandate for Action
The adoption of the resolution by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly marks a significant milestone, not only in the global movement to end child marriage, but also in the growing international recognition that child marriage is a crime and another form of child sexual abuse.
For Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD:
“Today, the world has spoken with one voice: child, early and forced marriage has no place in our societies. This resolution is far more than symbolic, it is a global mandate for action. As mothers, leaders, and advocates, we have a duty to ensure that every girl is free to dream, to learn, and to thrive, unburdened by the chains of forced union. Sierra Leone is profoundly proud to stand at the forefront of this movement, and we look forward to the tangible progress this day will inspire.”
Bhuwan Ribhu added:
“Today marks the tipping point showing that the end of the crime of child marriage is inevitable and imminent. Now is the time for governments to provide decisive leadership to end child marriage by 2030 and ensure education, protection and development of every child to realise their full potential. I am grateful to the first lady of SL, for her global leadership in championing this cause and would also like to thank all countries that cosponsored our resolution.”
About the Organizations
Office of the First Lady of Sierra Leone: Under Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the Office is dedicated to advancing the rights of women and children through education, healthcare, and efforts to eliminate gender-based violence.
Just Rights for Children: A global child rights network founded by Bhuwan Ribhu. Since 2023, the network has prevented and stopped over 550,000 child marriages.
