Abstract
This article explores the evolution of international law regarding the
minimum legal age for marriage, highlighting existing discrepancies and
gaps. Although several treaties indirectly address child marriage, only the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women explicitly mentions ‘child marriage’, albeit without specifying a
minimum age. Conversely, the Convention on the Rights of the Child
defines the term 'child' but does not address marriage. Through an analysis
of the relevant treaties, comments from treaty bodies, and practices, the
article identifies 16 as the current de facto minimum legal age for marriage,
with a movement towards 18 years of age.
minimum legal age for marriage, highlighting existing discrepancies and
gaps. Although several treaties indirectly address child marriage, only the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women explicitly mentions ‘child marriage’, albeit without specifying a
minimum age. Conversely, the Convention on the Rights of the Child
defines the term 'child' but does not address marriage. Through an analysis
of the relevant treaties, comments from treaty bodies, and practices, the
article identifies 16 as the current de facto minimum legal age for marriage,
with a movement towards 18 years of age.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-45 |
| Number of pages | 45 |
| Journal | University of Oxford Human Rights Hub Journal |
| Publication status | Published - 18 Sept 2025 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
-
SDG 5 Gender Equality
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