UN Population Fund: 12 Million Girls Married Before Age 18 Every Year

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has stated that worldwide, 12 million adolescent girls marry before the age of 18 each year.

In a report released on Saturday, February 14, the United Nations noted that approximately 640 million women alive today were married during childhood. According to the report, one in every five girls globally marries before reaching 18.

UNFPA described child marriage as a human rights violation, defining it as any formal marriage or informal union involving a child with an adult or another child.

The organization highlighted that child marriage endangers girls' lives and health, exposing many to risks of pregnancy and childbirth complications, which rank among the leading causes of death for adolescent girls.

UNFPA emphasized its efforts to implement effective programs and laws while supporting girls' rights to ensure they remain healthy, educated and safe, enabling successful adulthoods.