Globally, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each
year[I]. Despite the recent decline in its prevalence, the COVID-19
pandemic and its impact to families have placed children—especially girls—at a
higher risk of being forced into marriage to make ends meet.
Studies have shown that marrying at an early age hinders
children from reaching their potential and experiencing full lives. It not only
discourages them from pursuing their education, but it also makes them prone to
domestic violence and to several health risks.
As a child-focused organization and member of the Child Rights Network in the Philippines, World Vision lauds the recent passing of Republic Act (RA) 11596 or An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage. This new law recognizes child marriage as a form of abuse that debases, degrades, and demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of children and repeals all laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, and rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions stated in the Act.
“As adults, we have the responsibility to make sure that
children are loved, protected, and cared for not only at home but also in the
community. World Vision commits to work with the Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Department
of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd),
and other mandated government agencies in ensuring that this Act is fully and
promptly implemented,” says Rommel Fuerte, World Vision National Director.
Despite the Family Code stating that the legal age of marriage
in the Philippines is 18, it is only through the passage of RA 11596 can a
person be penalized for causing, fixing, facilitating, or arranging a child
marriage. This includes individuals who officiate the child marriage, as well
as perpetrators who are ascendants, step-parents, or guardians of the concerned
minor.
“Child, early and forced marriage robs adolescent girls (and
boys) of their childhood, pushing them further into deep cycle of poverty and
violence which has devastating and long-lasting impact to their overall
well-being. Clearly, child marriage is a violation of children’s right to
protection and human rights,” shares Jezreel Domingo, Child Protection Manager
for World Vision in the Philippines. “RA 11596 is a major win in protecting
Filipino children and a huge step towards creating a safer Philippines for them
so that girls and boys can enjoy their childhood,” Domingo added.
There are varied factors that enable child marriage but it is
most closely linked with low levels of economic development. For families
living in extreme poverty, child marriage can help alleviate their poor
economic conditions and even offset debts or settle conflicts. In other cases,
child marriage is influenced by traditions, norms, and beliefs.
With this new law that prohibits child, early and forced
marriage, World Vision is hopeful that more Filipino children will be able to
experience the full life aspired and intended for them.
To know more about World Vision and its other initiatives, you
may visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages
/worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on
Twitter.
About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy
organization dedicated to working with children, their families, and
communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith
and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people.
It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race,
ethnicity, or gender.
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