"A Major Step Forward: Colombia Banning Underage Marriage and Protecting Children's Rights

Title: A Major Step Forward: Colombia Banning Underage Marriage and Protecting Children's RightsIntroduction:In a groundbreaking move, Colombian politicians have approved a landmark bill to ban underage marriage and protect children's rights. This significant development marks a major shift in societal attitudes towards child protection and recognition of the inherent rights of children and adolescents.The Story Behind the Bill:After years of effort, lawmakers from all political parties came together in November to pass a bill that revamps legislation dating back to 1887. This move reflects a profound change in society's understanding of the importance of protecting children's rights. According to UNICEF, one in five girls between 14 and 18 years old is already married or in a union.The Power of Consensus:Senator Clara López highlights the significance of this achievement: "This approval has been possible because we have gathered the consensus of all political parties. It not only implies prohibition but also a robust public policy that reflects changing customs and raises awareness among the population about the great harm done to children and adolescents with marriages and unions."UNICEF's Support:Bibiana Aido Almagro, head of UN Women in Colombia, congratulates the country on this "magnificent news": "These practices severely affect the rights to life, health, education, and integrity of women and girls and negatively impact their development."The Devastating Consequences of Child Marriage:Andrea Tague Montaña, gender and development officer at UNICEF in Colombia, emphasizes the devastating consequences of child marriage: "Child marriages and early unions are understood as harmful practices that not only lead to gender violence but also cause the victims, especially girls, to fall into poverty. They reinforce discrimination and the idea that the best thing that can happen to them is to marry and have children."The Impact on Girls' Lives:By entering into an unequal power relationship with older partners, girls have few opportunities to decide if they want to have sexual relations, how many children they want to have, or what kind of life they want to lead. As Ms. Montaña explains: "They enter scenarios where, in many cases, they start fulfilling adult women's roles. Child labor, domestic work, and caregiving become their almost daily tasks."The Importance of Protecting Children's Rights:This law marks a major step forward for child protection in Colombia, but it also serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done. As Ms. Montaña warns: "We must stop normalizing early unions; this is a violation of rights. Girls do not stop being girls because they are living with a man."Next Steps:The bill will come into effect once signed by President Gustavo Petro, and it establishes actions to strengthen national public policy on childhood and adolescence, including measures to restore the rights of children and adolescents affected by underage marriages and unions. A special emphasis will be placed on remote rural areas, ensuring that indigenous peoples and other vulnerable communities can participate.Conclusion:The approval of this bill is a testament to the power of consensus and a major step forward for child protection in Colombia. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the inherent rights of children and adolescents and work towards creating a society where they are valued and protected. By doing so, we can ensure that girls like those mentioned above have the opportunity to grow up free from the encroaching shadows of underage marriage.Key Takeaways: The approval of the bill is a significant step forward for child protection in Colombia. Child marriage has devastating consequences for girls' lives, including poverty, gender violence, and lost opportunities. The new law will come into effect once signed by President Gustavo Petro and establish measures to restore the rights of children and adolescents affected by underage marriages and unions.SEO Optimized Keywords: child protection, underage marriage, Colombia, UNICEF, girls' rights, child labor, domestic work, caregiving

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