Georgia and Kyrgyzstan have the highest rates of child marriage in Eurasia. Report by the international human rights organization Equality Now says.
As noted, the study presents a comprehensive analysis of the problem of child, early, and forced marriages (CEFM) in seven countries in Eurasia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It examines the underlying causes, consequences, legal and policy frameworks, and potential intervention strategies to combat this human rights violation.
The report says that all seven countries have taken steps to reform their laws on child and forced marriage, but only Georgia and Azerbaijan have set the minimum age of marriage at 18, with no exceptions.
The others retain legal provisions permitting marriage under 18 with parental consent and/or local authority approval. In several regions of Russia, marriage is allowed at 14.
The rate of officially registered marriages involving minors varies significantly between and within countries. Georgia has the highest prevalence, with 14 percent of women aged 20 to 24 married before 18, rising to 25 percent in rural regions like Kvemo Kartli. Kyrgyzstan also has a high rate, with approximately 13 percent of women in the same age bracket marrying below 18.
Uzbekistan has the lowest child marriage rate at 3.4 percent and has achieved a significant decline over the past decade. However, prevalence in the Eastern region remains at 11 percent.
Armenia has a child marriage rate of 5 percent and is among the top ten countries worldwide for reducing the practice. Despite progress, child marriage remains prevalent within the Yezidi community, where girls as young as 13 or 14 are married off.
Equality Now urges governments to adopt a multi-sectoral approach underpinned by strengthening legal frameworks and implementation. Setting the minimum age of marriage at 18, without exceptions, is essential.
The minimum age of marriage in Kyrgyzstan is 18. However, it can be lowered by one year (to 17 years) based on the conclusion of a commission of territorial divisions of the authorized state body for child protection.
It is emphasized that educating communities on CEFM’s harms and laws, and providing well-funded, specialist support services like shelters, counseling, and legal aid are integral to transformative change. Governments should also consider financial incentives for families to discourage child marriage and keep girls in school.
