On August 14, the First Commission of the Senate of the Republic approved in third debate the bill “They are girls, not wives”an initiative whose purpose is to prohibit and eliminate Child Marriage and Forced Early Unions (MIUTF).
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This is a historic fact, since This is the first time that a project of this kind has gone so far in the legislative process and represents a step towards strengthening the protection of children in Colombia.to guarantee lives free from violence.
In response to this decision, Marta Royo, executive director and representative of Profamilia, said that this step is significant because since 2007 there has been a search for a change in the Civil Code so that child marriage is no longer permitted and that now, after eight projects that in the past were not even discussed, it can be said that, finally, a commitment is being achieved among congressmen to protect and guarantee the rights of girls, boys and adolescents.
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“MIUTF is a practice that has become naturalized in various social and cultural environments in Colombia, especially in rural areas, which leads to multiple forms of violence against girls and boys, due, among others, to relationships where there is a lack of consent and an imbalance of power predominates, accentuating and reproducing environments of poverty or vulnerability.”Royo said.
Child marriage
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He added that in the last three years alone, The Superintendency of Notaries and Registry estimates that more than 1,400 marriages were made official in which one of the persons was under 18 years of age..
“We must continue to move forward; we still have a debate to do so that child marriage is no longer permitted in the country. Colombia is about to settle a historic debt with the rights of girls and adolescents and join the group of countries that have already adjusted their legislation and adopted measures to eradicate this harmful practice. If this bill is approved, the country would have one of the most complete norms that not only modifies the Civil Code, but also develops comprehensive policies aimed at prevention and care, as well as support in the construction of life projects with the purpose of advancing in the reduction of social gaps, the transformation of cultural patterns and the strengthening of the rights to education and health of girls, boys and adolescents.”said Royo, after learning of this historic step.
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For Profamilia, this legal change must be accompanied by the necessary actions, by the State, society and the family, that promote social changes that lead to denaturalizing these practices, allowing girls, boys and adolescents to be empowered over their Sexual and Reproductive Rights, and generate opportunities so that they can fulfill their dreams and life projects in a free, dignified and safe manner..
“We applaud the technical rigor that allowed the project to be strengthened during its discussion in the third debate, since new articles and modifications were incorporated into the project that contemplate special protections in matters of property for girls and adolescents in this type of unions, as well as legal adjustments that further protect the articulation and strengthening of public policy measures,” Royo said.
Finally, it is expected that Congress will move forward with this legislative process and that the Government will pass the law to eliminate this practice in the country.
PORTFOLIO
