The 10th of December marks International Human Rights Day, commemorating all the efforts and advancements made but also a chance to reflect on the promises that failed to be upheld. Today, as we honour the rights of every human being, we must remember those we could not protect – the countless children who continue to suffer, denied their fundamental freedoms, caught in the web of child marriage exacerbated by a global crisis that threatens the very foundation of their future: climate change.
In Pakistan, the devastating effects of climate catastrophes have led to widespread displacement, economic insecurity, and the disruption of communities. The burden of this crisis is disproportionately borne by the most vulnerable: women and children, especially girls. With families facing extreme poverty, loss of livelihoods, and shattered social structures, the scourge of child marriage has risen.
The Link Between Climate Change and Child Marriage in Pakistan
Pakistan, ranked as the 5th most vulnerable country to climate change, is grappling with unprecedented natural disasters. Floods, droughts, and heatwaves have displaced millions, destroyed crops, and severely disrupted access to essential resources like water and healthcare. In recent years, record-breaking floods have submerged entire regions, while ongoing droughts have left millions without adequate food and water. In 2022 alone, 22 million people were left displaced due to the floods.
For many families, the immediate priority becomes survival, and in these dire circumstances, child marriage emerges as a seemingly “pragmatic” solution. Parents, particularly in rural and impoverished communities, see marrying off their daughters as a way to reduce the financial burden. In some cases, it is viewed as a protective measure, especially when families face the prospect of losing their homes, livelihoods, or even their lives. But the reality is, that child marriage is not a solution—it is an exploitation of a child’s rights and potential, and it only perpetuates cycles of poverty and suffering.
The UNICEF report on child marriage in Pakistan highlights that one in five girls in the country is married before the age of 18, and this statistic worsens in areas affected by climate disasters. South Asia seeing a surge in child marriages due to climate change. In times of crisis, when communities lose access to education and healthcare, and when survival becomes an all-consuming concern, child marriages spike. Girls are often seen as burdens rather than as children and sometimes the harsh reality is the parents see no other solution but marriage to ensure their child has a house when they have lost theirs. Save the Children UK estimates 40 million child marriages by 2050 due to a 1/3rd increase in child marriages due to climate change.
The Violation of Children’s Rights
Child marriage is a grave violation of a child’s fundamental human rights. It denies them their right to education, to live free from violence, to make decisions about their own lives, and to enjoy good health and well-being. The consequences of early marriage are far-reaching, and in Pakistan, they can be deadly. Early pregnancies, lack of access to proper healthcare, and domestic violence are just a few of the dangers faced by child brides.
On this International Human Rights Day, we are reminded of the international legal frameworks designed to protect children from such exploitation. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), ratified by Pakistan in 1990, emphasizes the right of every child to be protected from harmful practices, including child marriage. Article 24 guarantees children the right to health, while Article 28 enshrines the right to education. These rights are violated when children are forced into marriages.
Additionally, Pakistan is a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which calls for the abolition of child marriage as part of its commitment to gender equality. Yet, despite these legal obligations, the practice of child marriage continues to thrive, especially in the wake of climate-induced disasters. Highlighting a dire need for international support in combating climate change as well as more synced understanding between authorities, government, lawmakers and those displaced. Many parents do not think they are doing anything wrong or even unlawful, rather they think they are securing the future of their children. Keeping the various perspectives in mind to how child marriage is perceived in situations of climate catastrophes better frameworks need to be adopted and implemented.
Legal Protections and the Need for Enforcement
In Pakistan, the legal framework prohibits child marriage. The Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 set the minimum age of marriage at 16 for girls, and the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act of 2013 raised the minimum age to 18 in Sindh province. Furthermore, the Pakistan Penal Code criminalizes child marriage, with penalties for those who facilitate or conduct such marriages. Despite these laws, enforcement remains weak, particularly in rural areas where child marriages are most prevalent.
The rise in child marriages in climate disaster zones highlights a critical gap in the implementation of these laws. The absence of proper education, law enforcement, and community support systems leaves many vulnerable children at risk. In many rural communities, families often lack awareness of the legal age for marriage, and even when they do, they are willing to bypass the law due to the extreme financial and social pressures brought on by climate change.
The alarming rise of child marriages in climate disaster zones highlights a deeper inequality that exists within our society; that child marriage is not only a violation of children’s rights but also a barrier to achieving broader development goals, including gender equality, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Child Marriage
There are several sustainable Development Goals that shed light on the importance of combating child marriage as both a mechanism for achieving that goal and for broader implications of sustainable policymaking and development of the nation as a whole.
- SDG 1: No Poverty
Child marriage perpetuates poverty by limiting educational and economic opportunities, the isolation from opportunities inadvertently keeps individuals trapped in cycles of poverty. - SDG 4: Quality Education
Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for girls to shape their futures. However, early marriage is one of the biggest barriers to girls’ education in Pakistan. The impact of climate-related disasters—such as destroyed schools, displacement, and financial strain—has worsened the situation, limiting access to education, especially in rural and climate-affected areas. - SDG 5: Gender Equality
Child marriage is a direct violation of gender equality. It perpetuates gender-based violence and discrimination, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and limiting women’s autonomy. In Pakistan, where child marriage rates are high, climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, who are more likely to experience the burden of poverty, displacement, and the loss of resources. - SDG 13: Climate Action
The rise in child marriages in the context of climate change underscores the need for effective climate action. Climate-induced displacement, loss of agricultural livelihoods, and extreme weather events increase vulnerability for many families, leading to decisions that prioritise short-term survival at the expense of long-term development and rights protection. - SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Strong legal frameworks are crucial in protecting the rights of children, and while Pakistan has laws in place to combat child marriage, enforcement is weak. The increase in child marriages in climate-disaster areas highlights the need for stronger legal systems and community-based interventions to uphold the rights of girls and ensure their protection from harmful practices.
As we commemorate International Human Rights Day, let us remember those children whose futures have been stolen. The fight for children’s rights is far from over, and the battle against child marriage continues, especially with climate change. Their rights are our responsibility, and their future depends on the actions we take today. As we learn to tackle new emerging challenges such as flooding, smog and other climate disasters, there is a special need to address all problems keeping the most vulnerable communities affected in mind such as children who have to bear the burden of the actions, or lack thereof, of others.
