Kathmandu, Jan 21: Sankalpa-Women’s Alliance for Peace, Justice, and Democracy has expressed serious concerns over the report presented by a subcommittee under the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee, recommending to lower the minimum marriage age to 18.
The organization has, in a press statement today, warned that this recommendation could reverse gains so far in women's rights and gender equality.
Reminding the parliamentary committee of the provisions in the Constitution of Nepal and various international human rights conventions that protect against child marriage and guarantee opportunities for education and economic advancements for women, the organization stressed that it is warranted to maintain the legal marriage age at 20, as it currently stands.
It argued that lowering the age to 18 would likely promote child marriage and hinder the advancement of women's rights, particularly among marginalized communities.
The organization has called on the government to reject the recommendation and uphold the current legal marriage age of 20, urging for the implementation of stronger legal measures to empower women.
Member Amika Rajthala also stressed that the recommendation contradicts the Constitution, which guarantees equal rights for men and women, and goes against its fundamental goals.
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