'One every three seconds': Irish human rights lawyer warns of child marriage crisis

Ottoline Spearman

Ireland's Special Rapporteur on Child Protection and international human rights lawyer, Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, has called the continuing prevalence of child marriage across the world “a human rights emergency”.

Child marriage remains widespread across the globe - despite the practice being illegal in many countries - with 12 million girls married before their 18th birthday every year, which is one every three seconds.

"Child marriage both stems from and causes human rights violations - it results from entrenched gender inequality, and girls married in childhood are more likely to experience domestic violence, less likely to remain in school and have far worse economic and health outcomes than their unmarried peers," Ms Gallagher said.

Describing it as a "human rights emergency", she said "action is required now".

Ms Gallagher, who works at Doughty Street Chambers in London, was back in her native Dublin to deliver a keynote address a Plan International Ireland event to mark this Saturday's International Day of the Girl.

She spoke after a premiere screening of the film, "Nawi: Dear future me", hosted by writer and broadcaster Maia Dunphy.

The film tells the story of Nawi, a 13-year-old who is the top student in her class but faces patriarchal traditions that would see her married off for a substantial dowry in livestock. Nawi takes a stand for her own life and those of other young girls at risk, embodying themes of resistance, hope, and transformation.

Plan International Ireland’s new CEO, Feargal O’Connell, said: “Progress is too slow, and laws are not doing enough to protect girls, meaning they are facing more risks and fewer choices - such as the right to decide if or when to marry or have children.

“This International Day of the Girl we are calling for investment in programmes that tackle the damaging social beliefs, practices and expectations that allow child marriage to persist and provide real protection for girls at risk.

"Improved access to education, awareness and strengthened online safety standards also need to be prioritised.

“Child marriage is not normal and should never be seen as such – it is a violation. Girls must be allowed to choose their own future, and we will not stop until that right is a reality.”