New Delhi, Oct 26 (PTI) The Global Catholic Congress, comprising prominent leaders from 44 countries, has extended its support to the Child Marriage Free World (CMFW) campaign launched by civil society network Just Rights for Children to end the practice globally by 2030.
The support came at the Global Catholic Congress Summit held in Rome, Italy, which brought together senior Catholic clergy, archbishops, bishops and other leaders from India, the United States, Canada, Africa, Australia, Singapore, the Middle East and Europe, among others.
The representatives also pledged to fight child marriage in their communities.
Rajeev Kochuparambil, president of the Global Catholic Congress, said ending child marriage is a collective moral responsibility
and called upon families, communities and faith institutions to work together to protect children.
“The support of members of the Global Catholic Congress from 44 countries reflects our shared commitment to protecting children and building a world where no child is deprived of their childhood through marriage,” Kochuparambil said.
“We must turn this commitment into meaningful action and work together towards a Child Marriage Free World by 2030,” he said.
Bhuwan Ribhu, founder of Just Rights for Children, welcomed the Global Catholic Congress’s support.
“Faith leaders are powerful voices of conscience who can play a decisive role in preventing child marriage,” he said.
“Their collective commitment sends a clear message that no tradition or custom can justify violating a child’s rights,” he said, adding that solidarity was a vital step towards ensuring every child could learn, grow and realise their full potential.
Just Rights for Children, which works for child protection, is working in 782 districts across India through more than 300 NGO partners, according to the organisation.
The support comes ahead of November 27, which will be observed for the first time as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage.
The United Nations General Assembly had adopted a resolution to this end in September. November 27 is also the anniversary of the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign, which was launched by the Indian government in 2024, the organisation said. PTI KSH APL
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