The European Union, in a general comment delivered at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council on 7 July 2026, warned that progress toward eliminating child, early and forced marriage remains far too slow to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal target. The statement, delivered by the EU delegation in Geneva under agenda item 3, noted that over 650 million women alive today were married before age 18 and that more than 100 million more girls could become child brides in the next decade if current trends continue.
The EU's intervention came during the council's consideration of a draft resolution on child, early and forced marriage. The bloc welcomed the text's recognition of heightened risks in conflict and humanitarian emergencies and its emphasis on ensuring access to education as essential to prevention. The EU described the negotiation process as transparent, inclusive and constructive.
The statement highlighted that child, early and forced marriage disproportionately affects women and girls, exposing them to sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination and abuse. It disrupts education, limits economic empowerment and political participation, and has lasting health consequences. The EU noted that increasing conflict and humanitarian crises are exacerbating the drivers of this harmful practice, making the resolution timely.
No prior coverage of this specific EU statement exists in the available record. The EU's position aligns with its longstanding commitment to gender equality and the elimination of harmful practices, as reflected in its external action and human rights diplomacy.