African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) has warned that millions of girls in Africa are still at risk of child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) despite bans in most countries.
The committee revealed that existing laws are often poorly enforced, with implementation varying widely and survivors facing challenges accessing justice and support.
It also called on governments to urgently close protection gaps by bridging the divide between legal commitments and the reality girls face on the continent.
The committee made the call in a new report, which draws on case studies from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Egypt, Malawi, Mali, Somalia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. The thematic report on harmful practices affecting children in Africa finds that despite progress in strengthening legal frameworks and political commitments, harmful practices remain entrenched.
According to the experts, climate shocks, conflict, and economic instability are intensifying the drivers of child marriage and FGM, weakening already fragile systems and increasing risks for girls, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, where access to services is limited and social pressures are stronger.
The group pointed out that many cases go unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and limited support services.
Equality Now’s Regional Representative for Southern Africa, Sally Ncube, said: “Failure of implementation and enforcement of the law to protect children from harmful practices is not a failure of the law alone. It is a failure of the ecosystem that should make the law to protect and support children.”
The report said less than half of African countries set the minimum marriage age at 18 without exception, leaving legal gaps that allow child marriage under parental consent, judicial approval, or customary and religious law, while many countries also lack comprehensive legislation addressing prevention, access to justice, and survivors’ rights.
Special Rapporteur on Child Marriage and Other Harmful Practices, ACERWC, Hermine Kembo Takam Gatsing, noted: “The study illustrates that change is possible and indeed already taking place. Progress is achievable when legislation is complemented by implementation and coordination among relevant stakeholders and the promotion within the community.”
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