Child marriage progress hindered by global crises, says UN report.

A new report by UNICEF reveals that the world has made progress in reducing child marriage, but the pace is too slow, and it will take 300 years to eliminate the practice at the current rate. The report notes that poverty, social norms, and crises such as conflicts, climate change, and COVID-19 have slowed progress. Countries that have seen a reduction in child marriages have also seen a decline in poverty, increased access to education and employment opportunities for girls. Child marriage robs children of their childhood, limits their reproductive autonomy, and increases their risk of maternal death and other long-term physical and mental health issues.