Lalitpur, February 17, 2025 - The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal convened a significant discussion program at Hotel Himalaya, focusing on "Legal Provisions Regarding the Age of Marriage and Their Implementation Status." The event brought together representatives from various governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as stakeholders dedicated to child rights.
Photo Source: NHRC
The primary objective of the program was to evaluate the current legal framework concerning the minimum age for marriage in Nepal and to assess the effectiveness of its enforcement. Under the Muluki Civil Code, 2074, Section 173, the legal age for marriage is set at 20 years, with any marriage conducted below this age considered child marriage and thus legally void. Despite this clear legal stipulation, the persistence of child marriages in various regions of Nepal remains a pressing concern.
During the discussions, participants highlighted several challenges hindering the effective implementation of the law. These challenges include deeply rooted cultural practices, socio-economic factors, and a lack of awareness about the legal consequences of underage marriages. A prominent advocate for women's and children's rights, emphasized that reducing the legal age for marriage is not a viable solution to these challenges. Instead, she advocated for comprehensive strategies focusing on education, economic empowerment, and robust law enforcement to combat the prevalence of child marriages.
The NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children's rights and ensuring the strict enforcement of existing laws. The commission called for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and local communities, to address the socio-cultural and economic factors contributing to child marriage.
This program marks a pivotal step towards fostering a coordinated approach to eliminate child marriage in Nepal, aiming to protect the rights and well-being of children across the nation.
