Global Leaders Back India’s Fight Against Child Marriage

At a high‑profile UN session in March 2026, Bhuvan Ribu renewed his appeal for an international day to combat child marriage. The proposal, backed by Sierra Leone’s First Lady Dr. Fatima Mada Bayo and co‑sponsored by 67 countries, was unanimously approved on 4 September.

The resolution celebrates India’s role as a “world teacher” in child protection, citing the “Child Marriage Free India” campaign as a template for other states. It also calls on governments to adopt firm leadership by 2030 to end child marriage, ensuring every child’s right to education, safety and full development.

International observers noted that the UN’s endorsement reinforces Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, linking the fight against child marriage with broader gender‑equality objectives.