This submission details concerns relating to access to justice for children and adolescent girls who are survivors of sexual violence, including in the context of harmful practices (child marriages and bride kidnappings) in Georgia

This submission details concerns relating to access to justice for children and adolescent girls who are survivors of sexual violence, including in the context of harmful practices (child marriages and bride kidnappings) in Georgia

This animated video is a major part of this awareness campaign, showing the emotional state of child brides, and examining their relationship with their parents. It is an emotional story about child marriage told from the perspective of the child bride.

This animated video is a major part of this awareness campaign, showing the emotional state of child brides, and examining their relationship with their parents. It is an emotional story about child marriage told from the perspective of the child bride.

The submission focuses on the continued prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in Canada and the failure of the Canadian government to take concrete and effective action to end FGM/C in Canada and provide support for survivors.

The submission focuses on the continued prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in Canada and the failure of the Canadian government to take concrete and effective action to end FGM/C in Canada and provide support for survivors.

The submission focuses on legal provisions in Ecuador that enable impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence.

The submission focuses on legal provisions in Ecuador that enable impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence.

GEORGIA, TBILISI, December 7, 2020 - Georgia has one of the highest rates of child marriage in Eastern Europe, but the problem is being widely overlooked. Although Georgian legislation states that marriage is prohibited under the age of 18 under any circumstance, many girls are married off as minors – sometimes against their will. The practice, together with other factors, arises out of gender inequality.

GEORGIA, TBILISI, December 7, 2020 - Georgia has one of the highest rates of child marriage in Eastern Europe, but the problem is being widely overlooked. Although Georgian legislation states that marriage is prohibited under the age of 18 under any circumstance, many girls are married off as minors – sometimes against their will. The practice, together with other factors, arises out of gender inequality.

Produced in collaboration with Goga Khatiashvili (the author), this publication aims to address the culture of silence around child and forced marriage in Georgia. Though many in Georgia may consider child marriage to be a thing of the past, a 2018 UNICEF report found that among women aged 20-24, 14% were married by the age of 18 in Georgia.

Produced in collaboration with Goga Khatiashvili (the author), this publication aims to address the culture of silence around child and forced marriage in Georgia. Though many in Georgia may consider child marriage to be a thing of the past, a 2018 UNICEF report found that among women aged 20-24, 14% were married by the age of 18 in Georgia.

Every October 11th, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. Whilst it is a day to celebrate global progress in protecting and promoting girls’ rights, this year, against the backdrop of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear to see how much work we have still to do. With recent projections from UNFPA/UNICEF showing that the impact of COVID-19 could potentially result in an additional 13 million child marriages taking place between 2020 and 2030 that could otherwise have been averted.

Every October 11th, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. Whilst it is a day to celebrate global progress in protecting and promoting girls’ rights, this year, against the backdrop of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear to see how much work we have still to do. With recent projections from UNFPA/UNICEF showing that the impact of COVID-19 could potentially result in an additional 13 million child marriages taking place between 2020 and 2030 that could otherwise have been averted.

Child marriage, defined as a formal marriage or informal union before the age of 18, disproportionately affects girls around the world.  It is a human rights violation that legitimizes abuse and denies girls' autonomy under the guise of culture, honor, tradition, and religion.

Child marriage, defined as a formal marriage or informal union before the age of 18, disproportionately affects girls around the world.  It is a human rights violation that legitimizes abuse and denies girls' autonomy under the guise of culture, honor, tradition, and religion.