Bolivia has achieved a historic victory for children’s rights by passing a law that bans child marriage without exception. This landmark legislation, approved by the Chamber of Deputies, raises the minimum legal age for marriage to 18. The move is a significant step forward in protecting the country’s children, particularly girls, from a harmful practice that has long been a source of violence, poverty, and limited opportunity. It is a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy and a new commitment from the government to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
The Impact of a Long-Fought Campaign
This new law is the culmination of a four-year campaign led by civil society organizations, children, and international partners. The campaign, which was backed by groups like Save the Children, Equality Now, and Ipas Bolivia, highlighted the devastating impact of child marriage. Data revealed that between 2014 and 2023, over 4,800 marriages were registered involving adolescents as young as 16, often with partners who were much older. The new law criminalizes the act of marrying a minor, with officials who register such unions now facing up to four years in jail. This strong legal measure sends a clear signal that the practice will no longer be tolerated. It is a win for the dedicated activists who have worked tirelessly to bring about this change.
Fulfilling International Obligations
The ban on child marriage is a major step toward fulfilling Bolivia’s international obligations. The country is a signatory to international human rights treaties, such as the Belém do Pará Convention and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, both of which include commitments to end harmful practices against women and girls. The new law brings Bolivia’s Family and Family Procedure Code into alignment with these international standards. While previous law allowed marriage for 16- and 17-year-olds with parental consent, this legal loophole has now been closed, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of every child to education, health, and safety. This change showcases how a nation can use its legal system to reflect and uphold universal human rights.
A New Reality for Girls and Adolescents
The new law marks a new reality for over four million children in Bolivia, half of whom are girls. It will help ensure they can live a childhood free from violence and have the opportunity to fully develop their life projects. Child marriage has been shown to have devastating consequences, including early pregnancy, school dropout, and exposure to domestic violence. This legal reform directly addresses these issues and is expected to lead to better health and education outcomes for thousands of children. The work is not over, however. The true impact of the law will depend on sustained commitment from government officials, communities, and families to address the underlying causes of child marriage, such as poverty and gender inequality. The Girls Not Brides organization provides detailed resources on how to tackle these root causes.
A Beacon of Hope in Latin America
Bolivia’s action is particularly significant because Latin America and the Caribbean is the only region in the world where child marriage rates have not seen a significant decrease in the last 25 years. With this law, Bolivia becomes the 14th country in the region to ban the practice. This positions the nation as a leader in a region where the issue is particularly persistent. It serves as a beacon of hope for other countries. It shows them that legal and social change is possible. This win is a testament to the resilience of civil society and the power of dedicated advocacy. For a deeper look at the state of child marriage in the region, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) offers comprehensive reports and data.
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