From 44 Countries, One Shared Commitment: A Child Marriage-Free World

Members of the Global Catholic Congress pose with a poster supporting an end to child marriage. Credit: JRCby Kizito Makoye (rome & dar es salaam)Tuesday, October 27, 2026Inter Press Service ROME & DAR ES SALAAM, October 27 (IPS) - The message from Just Rights for Children (JRC) was clear: protecting children must take precedence over customs used to justify their marriage. The Global Catholic Congress, representing 44 countries, has endorsed JRC’s campaign to end child marriage by 2030. Announced in Rome on 22 October, the commitment brings influential faith leaders into a global effort to end a practice that continues to deprive millions of children, particularly girls, of their childhood. “Every child deserves a childhood filled with dignity, education, safety and hope,” said Rajeev Kochuparambil, president of the Global Catholic Congress, announcing its support for the campaign.“Ending child marriage is a collective moral responsibility that calls upon families, communities and faith institutions to stand together.”Welcoming the congress’s support, JRC founder Bhuwan Ribhu said faith leaders could play a decisive role in preventing child marriage.“When faith stands with...