UNICEFРІР‚в„ўs approach, therefore, envisions success in two timeframes. UNICEFРІР‚в„ўs approach to ending child marriage in South Asia recognises the complex nature of the problem, and the socio-cultural and structural factors underpinning the practice. In communities where the practice is prevalent, marrying a girl as a child is part of a cluster of social norms and attitudes that reflect the low value accorded to the human rights of girls.

The marriage of girls aged 15-18 is however still commonplace, so more efforts are needed to protect older adolescents from marriage.Р”В¬hild marriage is the result of the interplay of economic and social forces. Nepal has also one the highest rates of child marriage in Asia for both boys and girls.Р”В¬hild marriage is declining (63% in 1985 to 45%t in 2010) in South Asia, with the decline being especially marked for girls under 15 (32% in 1985 to 17% in 2010). Bangladesh has the highest rate of child marriage in Asia (the fourth highest rate in the world). India has the largest number of brides in the world РІР‚вЂњ one-third of the global total. Almost one in five girls (17%) are married before the age of 15.Р”В¬hild marriage violates childrenРІР‚в„ўs rights and places them at high risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Almost half (45%) of all women aged 20-24 years reported being married before the age of 18. South Asia has the highest rates of child marriage in the world.

Child marriage affects both girls and boys, but it affects girls disproportionately, especially in South Asia. Child Marriage is defined as a marriage of a girl or boy before the age of 18 and refers to both formal marriages and informal unions in which children under the age of 18 live with a partner as if married.

Sub rosa legal definition