In a show of unity against the practice of child marriage, over 30 eminent faith leaders representing ten religions and faiths united in New Delhi a few days ago to initiate a dialogue on national level interfaith forum of faith leaders for child marriage free India by 2030.
The main objective of the forum as discussed at a national dialogue organised by India Child Protection will be to leverage religious influence of faith leaders in raising awareness against it, support in implementation of the laws at local, state and national levels, and strengthen interfaith collaboration to end the practice. ICP, partner of Just Rights for Children network, had convened an interfaith dialogue on 22 July 2024 on ‘Child Marriage Free India’ where faith leaders from 9 religions had unanimously agreed that no religion endorses child marriage, and so no faith leaders should solemnize child marriage in any religion.
Less than a year later, representatives of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Baha’i, Buddhism, Jainism, Brahma Kumari, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism along with Bhuwan Ribhu, Founder of Just Rights for Children came together with strategies and action plan to combat child marriage. The faith leaders also highlighted the profound influence and role of faith leaders in shaping and reforming social norms and practices in the country.
Speaking on the significance of this dialogue, Bhuwan Ribhu, Founder, Just Rights for Children, said: “The coming together of faith leaders to eliminate child marriage is a landmark and pivotal step toward ending this practice. It is not only illegal but also immoral, with no sanction from any religious entity. Child marriage is child rape, and exploiting children under the guise of culture, tradition, and faith is a grave injustice. What began last year has now sparked the rise of a global movement of faith leaders to create a Child Marriage Free India and, ultimately, a Child Marriage Free World.”
He said everyone in the community must make commitment to not just do child marriage but also, neither let it happen nor tolerate it. Every child marriage must be reported, he advocated, further suggesting that faith leaders must step up, and ensure that marriages are only performed in designated places of faith.
Extending solidarity, Swami Kripakarananda, Rama Krishna Mission, said: “It is an evil practice that dates back to the inception of civilization, perpetuated through generations. An issue that has persisted for hundreds of years is now rightfully being addressed with the urgency it deserves. Only by empowering communities with knowledge can we dismantle harmful practices and build a future where every child has the right to grow and thrive.”
Echoing similar thoughts and pledging full support to making the practice free India a reality, Arch Bishop Mar Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Diocese of Faridabad, advocated awareness among communities, cultures and vulnerable sections about it. “Marriage is a responsibility, not just a tradition. A child cannot bear the weight of parenthood. Let’s empower communities, enforce marriage registration, and advocate globally to end the practice,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, both Imam Faizan Muneer, Secretary, All India Imam Organisation and Mufti Aslam, Principal Madarsa, extended complete support to the cause and said that marriage is a profound responsibility and Islam does not permit child marriage. This message should be spread among parents and communities to ensure that no one allows, facilitates or accepts it.
Brahma Kumari Sister Hussain from Om Shanti Retreat Centre also echoed similar thoughts and said sometimes when fighting such deeply embedded evils and crimes, faith can play a significant role in combating them.
The faith leaders decided that besides the national forum, there will be regional as well as local chapters as well in the high-risk districts and states who will take the ‘child marriage free India’ mission to grassroots level, organising campaigns locally. Notably, the 250 NGO partners of Just Rights for Children are already spearheading similar grassroots campaigns in 416 districts across the country, and putting up posters and wall paintings in places of faith such as temples, mosques and churches. The NGO partners have also been engaging local faith leaders, who have been pledging against child marriage and making significant changes at grassroots. The network has so far stopped over 2,50,000 child marriages across the country.
The Forum’s advisory council would compose of experts in child rights, law, social work and scholars of religious studies. The council will provide expert advice on laws and practices, share best practices to prevent it and help in aligning religious teachings with child protection laws and human rights.
India has been at the forefront of the fight against child marriage, taking significant steps to eradicate this crime completely. On the petition filed by Just Rights for Children partners, the Supreme Court of India has issued guidelines to ensure the effective implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, across the country. Proposition of a national forum by the Faith Leaders’ comes at a crucial moment, reinforcing India’s commitment to ending child marriage by 2030—aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
