The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, has adopted a landmark Resolution on Ending Child Marriage , reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights of children, advancing gender equality and strengthening the rule of law worldwide.
The resolution recognises child, early and forced marriage as a serious violation of human rights and a harmful practice disproportionately affecting girls. It highlights the devastating impact of child marriage on education, health, equality, bodily autonomy and access to justice, while reaffirming that this custom cannot be justified on cultural, religious or economic grounds.
The resolution calls on states to establish 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage without exception, strengthen legal protections for children and survivors, improve access to justice and implement comprehensive measures to address the social, economic and structural factors that perpetuate child marriage.
Claudio Visco, IBA President, stated: 'The adoption of this resolution reflects the International Bar Association's unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and advancing the protection and promotion of the human rights and dignity of every child. Child, early and forced marriage remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations affecting girls worldwide, depriving millions of their rights, opportunities and agency, and undermining their ability to realise their full potential and participate fully, equally and meaningfully in society.'
'The legal profession has a vital role to play in addressing discrimination, strengthening legal and institutional protections, and ensuring effective access to justice for children and survivors. Through this resolution, the International Bar Association calls on governments, legal institutions and members of the legal profession worldwide to take concrete and sustained action to prevent and eliminate child, early and forced marriage and to uphold the rights of children in accordance with international human rights law.'
The resolution also recognises the essential role of lawyers, judges, bar associations and legal institutions in preventing child marriage, supporting survivors and promoting accountability. It encourages legal professionals to engage in law reform, strategic litigation, public interest advocacy and capacity-building efforts to strengthen protections for children and advance the eradication of child, early and forced marriage.
Reflecting the growing recognition that child, early and forced marriage remains a significant obstacle to gender equality, sustainable development and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the resolution has garnered broad support from a diverse coalition of legal practitioners, academics, advocates and public figures.
At a time when the IBA continues to express concern about the erosion of the rule of law in many parts of the world, this resolution underscores the critical importance of robust legal frameworks, independent judicial institutions and effective justice systems in protecting the human rights of children and other individuals in vulnerable situations, ensuring accountability and advancing equal access to justice.
The resolution was adopted by the IBA Council in May 2026.
