Manila, 09 January – Among exacerbated child rights challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette (Rai), Philippines celebrates the enactment of Republic Act No. 11596, also known as the "Prohibition of Child Marriage Law." This legislation underscores the government's commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The presence of a legal framework strengthens the system against child marriage.
The country ranks 12th globally for the absolute number of child marriages; the effects of this ripple through the lives of young women. According to the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey, 1 in 6 Filipino girls become a bride before attaining legal status at 18.
A UNICEF study noted that victims of child marriage are less likely to pursue education and hold a higher risk of maternal mortality when compared to women in their twenties. The extensive impacts of the pandemic, from school closures and lack of accessible education to disrupted healthcare services and economic hardships, have resulted in an increase of teenage pregnancies. Act 11596 secures an additional layer of protection, promising enduring benefits, particularly for young girls.
The passing of this law marks a significant step toward safeguarding the rights and well-being of the nation's girls. The prohibition of child marriage signifies a noteworthy triumph for humanity's collective dedication to justice and well-being.
Statement attributable to Ms. Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF Philippines Representative
Source: UNICEF Philippines. "Passage of “Prohibition of Child Marriage Law” is a Major Milestone for Child Rights". https://www.unicef.org/philippines/press-releases/passage-prohibition-child-marriage-law-major-milestone-child-rights. 07 January 2022. [Accessed: 09 January, 2022]
Edited by Yash Pincha
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