The title should be "Major Step Forward for Child Protection in Colombia: Underage Marriages Banned".

Major Step Forward for Child Protection in Colombia:In November of last year, a bill was approved by politicians of all stripes that aimed to overhaul legislation that has been in effect since 1887, reflecting deep-rooted practices that violate the rights of children and adolescents. According to UNICEF, one in five girls aged between 14 and 18 is currently involved in an underage marriage.This approval marks a significant step forward for child protection in Colombia. Senator Clara Lopez highlights that this approval has been possible because they have gathered the consensus of all political parties. It not only implies prohibition but also creates 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.UN Women head Bibiana Almagro states: "We want to congratulate Colombia on this magnificent news." These practices severely affect the rights to life, health, education, and integrity of women and girls. It also negatively impacts their development.Gender and Development Officer at UNICEF in Colombia Andrea Tague Montaña agrees that the decision is a positive move. She says: "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."By entering an unequal power relationship with older partners, explains Ms. Montaña, 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.Ms. Montaña adds: "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." These are girls who stop studying, who lose their rights by entering an early union. It is important to call on society to stop normalizing early unions; this is a violation of rights. Girls do not stop being girls because they are living with a man.The bill also 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, with a special emphasis on remote rural areas - ensuring that indigenous peoples and other vulnerable communities can take part.The new law comes into effect once it is signed by President Gustavo Petro.

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