Published: 11:46 AM, 04 September 2026
UN Agencies Urge Afghan Government to Stop Child Marriage
United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations are urging Afghanistan's authorities to take stronger measures to prevent child marriage and protect girls from practices that can severely affect their education, health, safety and future prospects.
Child marriage remains a serious concern in Afghanistan, where decades of conflict, poverty, displacement and social insecurity have placed enormous pressure on families. Girls in economically vulnerable households are particularly at risk of being married before reaching adulthood, while restrictions on education and employment have further narrowed their opportunities.
The United Nations considers child marriage a violation of children's rights and a major obstacle to development. International standards generally define child marriage as a formal marriage or informal union involving a person below the age of 18. Such marriages can expose girls to early pregnancy, health complications, domestic violence and social isolation.
UN agencies have repeatedly stressed that protecting girls requires more than legal provisions. Families and communities need access to education, healthcare, social protection and economic opportunities so that marriage is not viewed as a solution to poverty or insecurity.
Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis makes the issue particularly urgent. Millions of people continue to face poverty and food insecurity, while many families struggle to meet basic needs. In such circumstances, some households may regard early marriage as a way of reducing financial pressure or protecting daughters from perceived insecurity.
Humanitarian organizations warn, however, that such decisions can have profound long-term consequences. A girl who leaves school for marriage is far less likely to complete her education or develop the skills necessary for independent economic participation. Early pregnancy can also expose young mothers to serious health risks, particularly where access to maternal healthcare is limited.
Education is therefore regarded as one of the strongest safeguards against child marriage. When girls remain in school, they are more likely to delay marriage and gain knowledge about health, rights and opportunities. Educated girls can also contribute more effectively to their families and communities later in life.
The international community has repeatedly called for Afghan girls to have meaningful access to education. Restrictions affecting secondary and higher education have generated widespread concern among UN agencies, humanitarian organizations and governments around the world. They argue that excluding girls from education increases their vulnerability and limits Afghanistan's long-term development.
The authorities in Afghanistan face a difficult humanitarian and economic environment, but children's rights cannot be treated as a secondary concern. Protecting girls from early marriage requires effective laws, enforcement mechanisms and community-level awareness.
Religious and community leaders can play an important role in this effort. In a deeply traditional society, messages delivered by respected local leaders can influence attitudes toward marriage and education. Community dialogue can help families understand the health, social and economic consequences of marrying girls at an early age.
Economic assistance is another essential component. Poverty is one of the factors that can increase vulnerability to child marriage. Cash assistance, livelihood programs and food-security support can help families avoid decisions driven primarily by financial desperation.
Health services must also be strengthened. Adolescent girls require access to appropriate healthcare, nutrition and information about reproductive health. Protecting girls from early pregnancy is particularly important because younger mothers can face greater medical risks.
The UN and other humanitarian agencies are also concerned about the psychological consequences of child marriage. Girls who enter marriage prematurely may experience isolation, loss of autonomy and separation from friends and educational environments. In cases involving violence or coercion, the consequences can be even more severe.
Afghanistan's future depends heavily on its young population. Girls represent a substantial part of that future, and their education and well-being are essential to rebuilding the country after decades of conflict. A society cannot achieve sustainable development while a large proportion of its children are denied opportunities to learn, work and participate fully in community life.
Preventing child marriage should therefore be viewed not simply as a women's-rights issue but as a national development priority. Every year of education gained by a girl can improve her prospects and strengthen the well-being of future generations.
UN agencies are calling on Afghanistan's authorities, communities, families and international partners to work together to protect children from early and forced marriage. Their message is straightforward: childhood should be a period of learning, growth and protection, not premature adult responsibility.
