South Asia Initiative To End Violence Against Children
SAIEVAC
REPORT OF THE REGIONAL MEETING TO CELEBRATE THE
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD
DECEMBER 17-18, 2012
DE L'ANNAPURNA, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Hosted jointly by the SAIEVAC Regional Secretariat
In collaboration with UNFPA and UNICEF
Co-hosted by the Government of Nepal
Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare
© South Asia Initiative to End Violence against Children (SAIEVAC), 2013
Permission is required to reproduce any part of this publication. Please contact:
South Asia Initiative to End Violence against Children,
Regional Secretariat
GPO 5850, House No. 122
Sujan Marg, Lazimpat – 2
Kathmandu, Nepal
+977 – 1 – 4420278
saievac-sec@saievac.org
http://www.saievac.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
3. OPENING REMARKS
4. INTRODUCTION AND RELEASE OF THE AFPPD REGIONAL ADVOCACY KIT
5. INAUGURAL ADDRESS
6. VOTE OF THANKS
7. COUNTRY PRESENTATIONS
a. Afghanistan
b. Bangladesh
c. Bhutan
d. India
e. Maldives
f. Nepal
g. Pakistan
h. Sri Lanka
8. INTRODUCTION TO DRAFT REGIONAL PLAN OF ACTION (RPA)
9. REGIONAL COMMITMENTS
10. GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON DRAFT REGIONAL PLAN OF ACTION
11. CLOSING REMARKS
12. VOTE OF THANKS
13. ANNEX
a. DRAFT REGIONAL ACTION PLAN
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Organized by the SAIEVAC Regional Secretariat (South Asia Initiative to End Violence
Against Children) in collaboration with UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, and UNFPA
APRO, the meeting was attended by Dr. Rinchen Chophel, Director General, SAIEVAC; His
Excellency Wasil Noor Muhmand, Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs &
Disabled (MOLSMD) of Afghanistan and Chairperson of the SAIEVAC Governing Board; Ms.
Nobuko Horibe, Regional Director of UNFPA APRO; Ms. Karin Hulshof, Regional Director of
UNICEF ROSA; His Excellency Ahmed Saleem, Secretary General, SAARC; and Mr. Upendra
Adhikari, SAIEVAC Governing Board Member, the Government of Nepal.
The meeting commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC). National action
plans for empowerment of girl child with focus on actions against child marriage, and
identified regional priorities, to draft a regional action plan were presented amid the
meeting.
On November 17, 2011, the Third Committee of the General Assembly agreed to celebrate
October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to be observed annually from 2012. In
the resolution, the General Assembly invited all Member States, relevant organizations of
the United Nations system and other international organizations as well as civil society to
observe the International Day of the Girl Child and to raise awareness of the situation of
girls around the world.
The meeting targeted to come up with a draft regional action plan to stop child marriage in
the SAARC Region as the marriages under the age of 18 is not decreasing though under-15
marriage has decreased. Child marriage is a violation of children's rights and a
manifestation of gender inequality. The meeting showcased trends related to child
marriages and the challenges of curbing the evil trend.
2. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
WELCOME REMARKS BY DR. RINCHEN CHOPHEL, DIRECTOR GENERAL, SAIEVAC
The welcome address, by Dr. Rinchen Chophel, warmly welcomed everyone involved in
materializing the formation of SAIEVAC and acknowledged the goodwill advisor from
Pakistan. He highlighted the SAIEVAC movements and added that SAIEVAC is honored to
play a lead role in South Asia to put together the commitments in United Nations and
SAARC.
He concluded his address by expressing gratitude for the support and commitment from
SAARC and al the partners involved in this noble cause for abolishing early marriage for the
girl child.
3. OPENING REMARKS
H. E. WASIL NOOR MUHMAND, and The opening address by H E Wasil Noor
Muhmand, Deputy Minister MOSLMD, Afghanistan and Chairperson SAIEVAC
Governing Board
The Chairperson of the SAIEVAC Governing Board welcomed all the participants of the
workshop, focused on early marriage as the crime against humanity. As the Chairperson, he
thanked the governing board members, SAARC and its extended bodies, human rights
conventions and other pertinent stakeholders to achieve good results in the region to end
child marriages and SAIEVAC's role in doing so.
He also added that decreasing poverty, increasing employment, ending trafficking, and
children awareness program plays a vital role to end early marriages. He put forward a few
recommendations to end child marriage.

Pay serious attention to decrease poverty and unemployment and illiteracy
Develop and implement national law and plan of action in the region.
Develop awareness in cooperative program in the region.
Implementation of HR convention and SAARC conventions in the region.
Implement SAIEVAC work plan.
End trafficking and kidnapping of children in the region.
MS. NOBUKO HORIBE, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, UNFPA APRO
The Regional Director of UNFPA APRO stated that SAARC has advocated for the
empowerment of girl child and abolishment of early child marriage. Across the region, it
exposes them to exploitation and pregnancy complications. Given the population, about
one half of girls are affected by the negative consequences of child marriage that happens
in South Asia. Despite the shift of late marriage, major percentages of girls get married
before 16. The difficulties associated are unofficial and unregistered.
She added that child marriage has negative impacts, especially on children who are poor.
The poor girls are most likely to get married early. Girls with no education are prone to get
married three times earlier than one with education and they have no say for time of
marriage and the choice of spouses. It has health implications as well. Reports show that
child marriage has remained same over the decade in some countries. If the current trend
continues, it will be more problematic for the young girls. UNFPA promotes to mobilize
girls, boys, parents and leaders to end discrimination and create civic opportunities for
girls. An UNFPA unit will work with girls who are already married by providing them other
supports. The outcome of this consultation is important and UNFPA is committed, with
government and civil society, that they get the recommendation for the reason they are
here. She urged the participants for their vital advocacy as they are the link between every
girl children and policies that shape lives. As the child marriage addresses and touches all
the Millennium Development Goals, she hoped that this will bring consensus for UNFPA to
work together in this region to end child marriage.
MS KARIN HULSHOF, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, UNICEF ROSA
The Regional Director of UNICEF ROSA pointed out that child marriage is particularly
relevant in South Asia and a topic very high on UNICEF agenda. It is not only as the
illustration of gender equality but it is one of the more persistent issues in health,
participation and protection. Child marriage is common and exists in the region and the
rate is still too high despite attempts to minimize it. The efforts should be scaled up to
make a difference for better humanity and also ensure that the voice of the boys and girls
are also taken into account as agents of change for creating a conducive environment to
gain full potential. It is violation of human rights and deprives the childhood and violates
the fundamental right of non-discrimination. She pointed out some efforts that can be made
to end this crime against humanity:
1. Force legislation that increases the minimum legal marriage at 18 in all SAARC
regions. This needs to be accompanied by awareness and enforcement.
2. Include equal access to education and ensure gender gaps are limited. Empowering
them to make choices about life and build better lives for themselves and
community.
3. Mobilize girls and boys, parents and leaders to change discriminatory gender norms
and provide opportunities for girls. This is a critical component.
4. Support girls who are already married by providing them school, livelihood skill,
and health support.
5. Address the root causes of Child marriages.
MR. UPENDRA ADHIKARI,
GOVERNMENT OF NEPAL
SAIEVAC
GOVERNING
BOARD
MEMBER,
Mr. Adhikari also highlighted the country's status in abolishing child marriages. He stated
that educating girls is one of the best ways to abolish child marriage. The progress on this
arena has been encouraging with 92 percent enrolment of girls at primary level education
in Nepal. Government of Nepal is working to provide access to basic education and in the
areas of school sector reform programs. Despite all this childhood marriage is still
prevalent due to social, economic and cultural reasons.
4. INTRODUCTION AND RELEASE OF THE AFPPD REGIONAL ADVOCACY KIT
Mr. Ramon San Pascaul, ED, AFPPD, brought forward the AFPPD Regional Advocacy Kit and
Policy Briefs on Child Marriage. The Kit was jointly inaugurated by the SAARC Secretary
General and Dignitaries. Mr. Pascual facilitated the advocacy Kit release for South Asian
countries.
Two years ago, it was agreed to end child marriage with main parliamentarian committee
across the Asia Pacific region through the main standing. Pursuant to bringing forth quality
actions to tackle child marriage, the committee agreed to come out with the kit. The main
standing committee reviewed and analyzed the draft of this kit and policy in Colombo. It
targets to revisit the issue, revisit the loss and contribute to elimination to such harmful
practices to protect our women and children and eliminate the harmful effects of child
marriage. AFPPD is tackling issues of how to end child marriage through law and policy.
Mr. Pascual described the policy, situation and what are the actions that can be undertaken
and to be considered by policy makers which directs towards revisiting and changing
certain policy even if that is there but not working. The first copy of the kit was handed
over to HE Mr. Ahmed Saleem, Secretary General, SAARC.
5. INAUGURAL ADDRESS
INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY THE CHIEF GUEST, MR, AHMED SALEEM, SECRETARY
GENERAL, SAARC
In the Inaugural Address, the Chief Guest thanked UNICEF and UNFPA for supporting this
initiative to end Child Marriage and that participating in this event is a testimony to the
important work that SAIEVAC is doing. He extended his warm greetings to every girl; child
in Asia and beyond and commended SAIEVAC for this meeting e extended his warm
greetings to every girl; child in Asia and beyond and commended SAIEVAC for this meeting
to develop a Regional Action Plan to end Child Marriage.
In his statement, the Chief Guest mentioned that approximately 38 percent of South Asia's
population is younger than 18 years and this 'youth bulge' presents a unique opportunity
in the region but it also poses a number of challenges for them. One such challenge is Child
Marriage which undermines the well being of girls resulting in early pregnancy and lifethreatening risks. This calls for response in South Asia and the social disadvantages faced
by girl children.
Investing in girls is a catalyst in changing the world and all efforts need to be made to
reduce the gap between girls and boys. Ever since its inception, SAARC has prioritized the
issues of children and has placed a number of mechanisms related to their development.
The SAARC Social Charter signed on January 2004 advocates special privileges and services
to be provided to the children and their mothers. It also extends the coverage of this
charter to children in conflict with law, orphaned, displaced and abandoned children as
well as children affected by armed conflict. Combating trafficking and prostitution are
important elements and vital requisites and achievements of the Millennium Development
Goals and SAARC Development Goals.
SAARC has begun implementation of regional projects for child rights, such as one on
maternal and child health. This year SAARC will initiate dedicated regional toll-free Help
lines for Women and Children for victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Since celebrating SAARC Decade for Girl Child (1991-2000), SAARC countries have made
special efforts in this arena. As a result, girl enrolment in primary school has enhanced.
Education for girls is one of the best strategies for protecting girls against child marriage.
He wished the meeting all the success.
6. VOTE OF THANKS
MS. KIRAN BHATIA, REGIONAL ADVISOR, GENDER, UNFPA APRO
Vote of Thanks at the end of the inaugural session by Ms. Bhatia pointed about the identical
synergy from all the speakers and stressed that there is a commitment to respond to end
child marriage. She thanked H. E. Secretary General of SAARC, H. E. Wasil Nur Muhmand
and respective individuals for their contribution and also thanked the host country Nepal
for hosting this conference and as host country of SAIEVAC. She thanked all the governing
board and members of the SAIEVAC team for their contributions. She thanked UNICEF and
UNFPA for their technical assistance and resources. AFPPD an important partner was
thanked for the kit release. She thanked ICRW and other international agencies used to
push the agenda of ending the girl child marriage.
7. COUNTRY PRESENTATIONS
a. AFGHANISTAN:
Ms. Huma Safi, Representative from civil society of Afghanistan (Women for
Women)
The situation of early marriage is a bit different compared to other SAARC countries as it
started afresh from 2002. Since 2004, Afghanistan has made important progress for
different issues. Afghanistan, after 10 years of struggle, has 10 million still living in poverty.
Literacy rate is only 25 percent and only 55 percent of children of primary school age 7-12
attend school. About 32 percent of secondary school age children attend school. The
secondary school net attendance ratio for girls is two times lower than that of boys. Child
labor is rampant in Afghanistan, with 25 percent of children aged 5-14 participating in
labor activities.
Laws and Regulations
EVAW (Ending Violence against Women) law enacted in August 2009 that
criminalizes child marriage, forced marriage and selling of girls is pending to be
passed by both houses.
Counter Abduction Human Trafficking Law July 2008.
Law on Juvenile Rehabilitation and correction Center 2009
Shelter Regulation Sep 2011
Policies and Programs
Government of Afghanistan ratified the CRC in 1994.
Convention on CEDAW (Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against
Women) was signed in 1980 but ratified in 2003.
NAPWA (National Action Plan for Women in Afghanistan) 2007-2017
National strategy for children at risk 2006
National child labor policy
(CPAN) Child protection Action Network
National plan of SAIEVAC June 2011
UNFPA , UNICEF , UNDP , UN Women and UNAMA established a task – force on early
and child marriage and developed concept note that include analysis of the situation
and plan of action
Challenges: Insecurity, traditional and cultural barriers, misunderstanding and
misinterpretation of religious guidance, enforcement of laws, influencing through power
and resource lords.
Future plans: Continuation of educational campaigns, implementation of EVAW Law,
campaigns on stopping child marriage. The Ministry of Justice is working on Child Act.
Campaigns on registration of marriages, approval of family law and making marriage
registration mandatory, implementation of national plan of SAIEVAC, development of the
fund for children at risk, establishment of more centers for Children at risk. There are 32
categories of children at risk in Afghanistan.
Major concerns raised by the participants revolved on the statistics of girls who have been married below the
age of 18, Afghanistan government collaborating with NGOs to end early child marriages; main barriers for
education in Afghanistan, use of contraception by women, legal treatment against violation of child marriages
and enforcement of legislations.
b. BANGLADESH:
Tahmina Begum, Governing Board Member, SAIEVAC &Joint Secretary, Ministry of
Women and Children Affairs, Bangladesh Presentation on Girl Child Marriage.
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries of the world. Among these, 13.8
millions are girls. The legal age of marriage in Bangladesh is 18 for girls and 21 for boys.
Large proportion of marriage takes place before the legal age of marriage. Child and forced
marriage of girls are still a big problem especially among the lower income group living in
rural and difficult to access areas. Causes of child marriage are poverty, lack of education,
lack of awareness, culture of acceptance and silence.
A considerable population is yet illiterate. People do not know the consequences of early
child marriage. The religions misconception for the fear of sexual harassment of girl child is
still at large. Consequences of girl child marriage result in maternal death, death for dowry,
polygamy. Articles discussed in the legal framework of Bangladesh were presented.
Similarly steps taken to prevent girl child marriage and way forward too to further
strengthen it were discussed.
The participants raised the questions of law enforcement, action taken by the government, and the Islamic
law.
c. BHUTAN:
Chhoeki Penjor, Officiating Chief Program Officer, Children’s Division, National
Commission for women &children
The Bhutanese presentation focused on Mapping and Assessment of Child Protection
System in Bhutan-which started in 2011 with support from UNICEF. It is multi-faceted,
under two broad areas of justice and social work. The cross-sector approach was adopted
at three levels. Some 15 issues were identified and child marriage was one of the harmful
cultural practices. By law marriage before 18 is illegal and early marriage is cultural and
common in Bhutan. Contributions were extensive from all the partners during this
mapping process. Inclusiveness was considered.
The points that the participants considered were the difference between the girls and boys in marriage,
penalty in law, forced and self marriage, compulsory education, child labor, and traditional practices that
support early marriage.
d. INDIA:
DVK Rao, Under Secretary Ministry of Women and Child development, Govt. of India
India is a country with largest number of children in the world which also depicts its
impacts as status indicator of children in the world. The matter of concern is sex ratio.
Situational analysis of children including mortality, under-nourishment was pointed out.
Around 43.4 percent of girls get married before 18. There are constitutional provisions
guaranteed by Indian government. Special provisions to address exclusion and exploitation
of children along with special laws were briefed. This includes the scheme for well being of
children. National Girl Child Day is being celebrated on 24th January since 2009 in India.
Girl Child-Concerns and challenges were presented. Key factors for child marriage are
patriarchal perceptions, religious concern, poverty and security concerns. Positions of child
marriage statistics were mentioned and the measures in place to prevent child marriage
were depicted. Legal punishment provisions for child marriages were also mentioned. Also
there are other initiatives in place. Conditional Cash Transfer is in implementation to delay
child marriage.
Similarly Mr. Rao stressed on focused areas of intervention in Twelfth Five-Year Plan for
the Girl Child.
Some points raised by the participants during the session were referral system, nutrition and child marriage
survivors, minor marriage, role of Panchayat or Khat, programmes for survivors, empowerment of girl child,
harmonization of family and customary laws, reporting of violation, and marriage registration,
e. MALDIVES:
Zulaika Shabeen, Assistant Director Ministry of Gender, Family and Human Right
Child marriage is different in Maldives but under-age marriages happen in Maldives too.
Maldives comprises of twenty administrative atolls and practice of Islamic religion i.e.
Shariah is practiced and related to matters of the family. There were rapid transformation
and internal migrations in due course of time in Maldives. Also there was socio-cultural
transition and development of political and religious divisions. Around 34 percent of
population is under 18 and 66 percent above 18. We are trying to build more
comprehensive draft for children and hopefully by January should be able to bring
stakeholders together to finalize the draft. Punishment provisions for perpetrators of
sexual violence were elaborated upon. This highlights the age of consent which was not
existent prior to this. Psychosocial support to vulnerable groups in the Island was initiated.
The capacity building of support units for this cause were done by UN agencies. Children’s
home was established in 2006 with support from civil society organizations. Challenges
despite the enactment of special measures legislation, conviction rates for child sexual
abuse remain low. Statistics were presented in terms of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and
emotional abuse. One of the disadvantages is the provision of housing children under 9
years in Children’s Home. The child is taken by police under Juvenile Justice Law if there is
any criminal offence done by a child. There is limitation in accessing higher education for
girls with fluctuating trends. Minimal legal age for marriage is 18 but with special
permission under-18 children can get married.
Those wishing to enter polygamous marriages are required to prove to the court about
their economic capacity. Marriages outside the court are also happening on Sharia laws.
There are unregistered marriages involving under age, runaways, and under-age consent
marriages. No under-age marriages are submitted for registration. MGFHR (Ministry of
Gender, Family and Human Rights) had three cases registered. The presentation also shed
light on concerns and challenges and the actions to be taken forward with focus areas
identified. We don’t have intervention but there are specific programs like in Bhutan for
victims.
Comments that surfaced during the session mainly focused on the child helpline, sexual violence related to
child marriage and physical violence.
f. NEPAL:
Mr. Laxmi Prasad Tripathi, Under Secretary MoWCSW
The adolescent population is 6.29 million in Nepal comprising 50 percent of the population
as girls. Over half 51 percent of the Nepalese women are aged 20-24. There are legal
sanctions against child marriage, but child marriages still occur in Nepal. Nepal falls among
the top 10 countries of the world where child marriages occur. The mid-western and farwestern regions have high prevalence of child marriage. Statistics reflect that 23 percent of
females become mother before the age of 18 and 48 percent by the age of 20.
Challenges surrounding this issue are cultural, social, economic and religious. One of the
root causes is poverty. Poor families exchange their children into marriage to settle debts
or to make some money in some communities. Existing patriarchal norms are also blazing
issue. “In Hinduism, it is believed that marrying off a pre-pubescent marriage is sacred act”.
The Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063 has provisions against Child marriage. Penalty
provision states that child marriage is a punishable act resulting in imprisonment to Rs.
10,000 penalty, although there are reporting requirements. Number of cases reported so
far are 37, and 13 cases are still in court to be settled. Priority actions, commitments and
resources were presented.
Child help line is in existence. Women and Children service center in all 75 district Police
Stations are operating at the current moment. Child rights officer are deputed in all 75
districts.
Meanwhile, the participants raised different issues such as same sex marriage, legal age for sexual consent,
educating parents about child marriage, and educating and right of adolescent.
g. PAKISTAN:
Mr. Safdar Raza , Country Advocacy Manager, Plan International Pakistan
The background, current trends, relevant laws and priority actions were presented. The
country population comprises of men 49 percent men and women 50.5 percent . Children
below 18 are 78 million in number. Literacy rate is 58 percent. Literacy rate trend was
mentioned. At the current time literary rate millennium development goal is 30 percent
less than MDG. Average age of marriage is between 24-26. Child marriages happen at the
rate of 37 percent before 18 as per UNICEF survey. Marriage is a social and religious
obligation. Restraint Act, 1929 prohibits the marriages of children under 18 for boys and
16 for girls. In spite of the laws that prohibit child marriages, cases are noted especially in
rural areas under the customary traditions.
Marriage registration is mandatory in Pakistan. For second marriage consent from first
wife is mandatory or else penalty consequences follow. This custom of child marriage is
practiced as, Vani, Dand or Badla, Swara, Watta Satta. Television and music message should
be changed as well to further spread awareness about the sensitivity of this issue. There
are challenges of traditional belief, illiteracy, economic cost and compensation for the
settlement of feuds. Parents often try to fulfill their huge responsibility as soon as possible
i.e. getting a girl married early. In some cases, the marriage actually brings money or other
benefits. Little awareness results in negative impact e.g. psychological trauma, physical
health hazards. Birth registration process, marriage registration process is weak. The
registrar and union council officials don’t verify the age of the person getting married. The
relevant laws surrounding marriage, child marriage, were pointed out. Priority actions
need attention to implement existing laws despite presence of such laws in abundance.
Legal frameworks are somewhat common in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan due to being a
split of British colonial rule.
The participants were interested in knowing the meaning of Khula, an Islamic right for women in Pakistan.
Other issues they raised were honor killing, rate of conviction in child marriage, prosecution of perpetrators,
birth registration and law on domestic violence.
h. SRI LANKA:
Anoma Dissanayake, Chairperson National Child Protection Authority (Sri Lanka)
The presentation focused on efforts to empower the Girl Child. The NCPA (National Child
Protection Authority) is committed to protect, promote and defend the right of every child
in the country. We are very concerned about child marriages. After the ratification of CRC
by the Government of Sri Lanka in 1991 the government had given powers to CRPOs (Child
Right Protection Officers). They are in every jurisdiction of the country and they promote
child rights. We want to give compulsory education to each and every child in the country
until they go to grade 9 by the age of 14. NCPA has a special policy unit, and it is monitored
and made sure that every child goes to school. In the rural areas where Muslim community
is more and in the Northern Province due to the war and sometimes because of Tsunami
affected areas especially when they were brought as migrant workers, the children became
vulnerable.
No technical and comprehensive teaching learning process for girls and boys on sexual
reproductive health and other social and life skills are some key issues. Child marriage
percentage is very low in Sri Lanka.
Since the presentation was very detailed, very little questions were raised. The participants were keen to
know about the legal age for girls and boys to get married.
8. INTRODUCTION TO DRAFT REGIONAL PLAN OF ACTION (RPA)
Random six groups were made for RPA because of the six areas of the RPA to work upon.
The issue is not about having RPA, the issue is where, when and what are the components
to be included in drafting the plan in the future. Some issues have already been negotiated
on different work forms. SAIVEAC five-year work plan has some indicators. Participants in
Colombo witnessed breakout sessions with harmful practices including child marriage.
There are broader concepts that can be incorporated in the action plans.
A brief summary recap was done for the preceding day’s sessions and activities by Mr. Ron
Pouwels in the beginning to orient the participants.
The marriages under the age of 15 have seen a sharp decline but the trend of marriages
under 18 still are not decreasing. Instances of early childhood marriages are relevant in the
context of South Africa. It is violation of children rights as it exposes them to several risks
and hazards surrounding health and education. It is also a manifestation of gender
inequality. Education enrolment and poverty have a clear linkage in terms of early
marriage. Majority of the countries had similar presentations surrounding the issue of early
marriage of a girl child in South Asia. Several traditional and cultural practices also play a
vital role in instances of early marriage. Misunderstanding of cultural guidelines and
practices, existing patriarchal perception and gender stereotyping are also the components
resulting in child marriage. Poverty is one of the underlying causes. There is need to reduce
the gap between girl child and a boy child. The existence of child marriage is an obstacle to
achieve millennium development goals.
Missing in the presentations were commitments made on 11th of October on International
Day of Girl Child.
9. REGIONAL COMMITMENTS
Regional actions and Panel discussions with resource persons
Panelists:
Regional review of existing laws and policies on early marriage: Judge Ms. Pelden Wangmo,
Secretary General, SAARCLAW Bhutan chapter; Ms. Sonali Regmi, Regional Manager for
Asia, Reproductive Rights; Tanushree Soni, Regional Gender Program Specialist, Plan Asia;
and Mr. Ravi Verma, Regional Director, ICRW
The panelists spoke about the presentations of the previous day and the loopholes in the
laws against early marriage. Delaying child marriage as the adolescent girls' right to
information and access to services was also a subject that was discussed upon. Acts and
articles on CEDAW, CRC and ICCPR (International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights)
ensuring no marriage shall be entered without consent. It requires the states ensure
equality of rights and responsibilities of spouses during marriage. The Human Rights
Council has expressed concern over this practice of child marriage and recommends
eliminating it. Child marriage is a harmful practice and affects girl right.
Integrated planning for effective result, enforcement of existing legislations, roles of civil
societies were other issues put forward for discussion. Working with community leaders
also for strategy making was also discussed.
A global overview of best practices was also put forward. South Asia too has witnessed
reduction in child marriage. Although there is a decline in child marriage in South Asia,
there is a rise too in some areas, e.g. in Bangladesh has 30 percent increment. Child
marriage prevention programmes have been of recent origin ranging between 1973 to
2009 and there have been lots of publications and majority of them have happened in
South Asian region. Various approaches to prevent child marriages with information, skills
and support networks were discussed.
10. GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON DRAFT REGIONAL PLAN OF ACTION
The background to the session was briefed and provided by Dr. Chophel and Mr. Pouwels.
Group work for regional action was emphasized. Mr. Pouwels briefed about the formation
of group structure and briefing on reporting back.
This was the objective of the meeting. Presentations from earlier day were put under
national actions. SAIEVAC work plan was looked and the recommendations from working
group from Colombo Consultation and UN statement from 11th October. As a result of
country presentations six results were documented.
Groups were randomly divided and regional experts were asked to choose a group relevant
to them. The components derived from country-wise presentations were extracted for
points to work on drafting the regional action plan. Groups were asked to review national
actions and assess any actions that were missing. When reviewing groups were asked to
think about the commitments made on 11th October and also to look at the
recommendations from regional advocacy kit and compare those to actions that the group
had under each result. A leader was formed in each group and inclusion was recommended.
Two hours was allotted for this exercise. Electronic and hard copy draft RPA were provided
to all the groups. Six groups were formed for six different Regional Plan of Action
components.
a. Group 1: Effective enactment, enforcement and use of national policy and legal
instruments to increase the minimum age for marriage for girls to 18.
Different proposals were framed around national action plans and regional action plans.
The importance of strengthening law enforcement and developing an integrated was
presented under national actions. Similarly the need for regional review of SAARCLAW was
stressed out in this presentation.
b. Group 2: Improved equal access to quality primary and secondary education.
National actions and regional actions on various components were discussed and
elaborated upon during the presentation. We can tackle national actions and make change
to improve the education level of girl and boy child as well. Advocacy with government and
enacting equal rights for education for girls and boys until secondary education is one
important aspect of it. Number of girls fall at secondary education. Fees also tend to play a
role for those who have issue of affordability. Technical assistance and supports were
discussed.
Importance of policy reforms, increased budgetary allocation comprising of review of
allocation of budget and positive discrimination for development of girls education budget.
Exploring the possibility of tapping into this field to see how nations that are in need for
and can be extended in needed families within member states using the MALALA Fund.
Reviewing the curricula in identifying gender bias is another important point to consider.
We need to have a holistic approach to see how at regional level this can be done. Incentive
mechanisms to keep girl children in school were discussed. Regional level should have an
understanding what are the facilities available.
c. Group 3: Increased mobilization of girls, boys, parents and leaders to change
discriminatory gender norms and create alternative social, economic and civil
opportunities for girls
Every country is to work on situational analysis. SAIEVAC secretariat can act as a resource
center for other tools. Social mobilization guideline tool kit is similar to Advocacy tool kit.
We need to develop a journalist network. SAFMA can be utilized to advocate girl child
rights. Similarly we need to link up national mechanism of SAARC countries with each
other. Regional consultations with political and religious leaders are necessary and we
need national and regional actions surrounding this. We need to have campaigns against
girl discrimination and involvement of health experts, e.g. in Pakistan lady health work is a
success story. We need to spread message through different sectors.
d. Group 4: Enhanced support of girls who are already married through options
for schooling, sexual and reproductive information and services, including
HIV prevention, livelihoods skills and recourse from violence in the home.
Need strengthening of the national systems and to support and help and monitor the
matter that they have helped and also need to have reporting twice a year as there are
multiple issues that need to be handled urgently due to whistle blowing sensitivity. Also
need-based technical support is of importance. Cross-country marriage also needs
monitoring.
e. Group 5: Increased Prevention of child marriage by addressing its root causes,
including violence against girls and women.
There are many common things on all the different outcomes across the reason. National
actions and regional actions were compared and clubbed with different heads. It comprised
of providing technical support and being the regional forum. The presentation surrounded
around how the SAIEVAC can help in developing communication materials, re-inventing
the wheel and how can we come out with some ideas that are effective in the local scenario.
The importance of sharing information and best practices that are there in other countries
was pointed out and that we have to develop the system of data collection and maintain
database. We need to coordinate, promote and facilitate research and promoting missing
children tracking system.
Member countries and donors need to create a corpus fund. There is a lack of
comprehensive system under one umbrella that talks about Child Protection System. How
do we bring all of them under umbrella and have interactions within member states. More
can be added to what already exists. We need to engage men and boys as key players not
only as allies and encourage children participation. We need to look upon how do we
encourage them by enhancing skills at the community levels. Vocational training and
livelihood programs are important aspect surrounding this issue. Also we have to look
beyond and break the gender norms with such trainings and bring these into ambit of
national actions about problems existing.
f. Group 6: Improved evidence, monitoring, evaluation and program support.
More or less the points were covered amid other presentation. Establishment of a regional
ombudsperson and assisting member states in establishing, strengthening the data
management system were mentioned. Similarly a need to support national mechanisms to
implement the agreed regional work plan and monitor it as per agreed indicators was also
stressed. Provision of assistance to member states is needed to strengthen reporting and
response mechanism to child rights violators.
11. CLOSING REMARKS
Ms. Karin Hulshof, Regional Director, UNICEF, ROSA; Ms. Nobuko Horibe, Regional Director,
UNFPA, APRO; H.E. Wasil Noor Muhmand and Mr.. Ibrahim Zuhuree presented the closing
remarks.
Ms. Karin Hulshof, Regional Director, UNICEF ROSA
"35 million girls under age group 20-24 were married before the age of 18 according to latest
statistics. It is not good for the future of South Asia. We need to break the cycle of poverty. We
need to improve their lives through empowering girls and working with men and boys and
likes. We need to start working with political and religious leaders. Sometimes we forget that
they are role models for life in community and also what is happening behind the door of
houses. It is not only the politicians, it is a female role model, community leader, religious
leader through whom these issues can be addressed. We should not lose a single opportunity
to end child marriage. We are talking about girls not brides.”
Ms. Nobuko Horibe, Regional Director, UNFPA APRO
"Last year we celebrated 7 billion people and 1.8 billion young people. 90 percent of them live
in developing world and half of them are girl and women. I think we are addressing them too,
girls some are married and unmarried and they all need services. So, we came up with many
recommendations. Now the task is handed over to the SAIEVAC to review all these so that we
don’t duplicate the efforts but we will supplement to the effort at the regional level.
Enthusiasm is there but how much we can put money to say that this is implemented. We
don’t want to repeat the scenario of having repetitions. We want to ensure every young girl
having a good future." H.E. Wasil Noor Muhmand
"I would like to thank from SAIEVAC secretariat especially Dr. Rinchin, UNFPA, UNICEF other
representatives for supporting this program. I thank participants. Many ideas were shared
and I pray all of you and wish good journey for all of friends and it also maybe for future
thinking. I wish for success of this meeting and future roles."
Mr. Ibrahim Zuhuree - Director Social Affairs
"I thank all partners, UNFPA and UNICEF, Deputy Minister of Afghanistan who is active since
taking chair of SAIEVAC. The most important component out of all these actions is that we
understand that countries are doing their best to address the same but facts still remain same.
The attention, the rights they deserve are not given. So, if we want to call how South Asia is
going to be the happening place in this century we have to address this. We take these issues
seriously at SAARC level and we will continue to do that. That is something that we will
continue to push and do. We thank you all for coming to this meeting and pushing this agenda
forward." –
12. VOTE OF THANKS
Dr. Rinchen Chophel, Director General, SAIEVAC
"The dignitaries are important people who will ensure that we deliver what we negotiated. I
want to say how appreciative and grateful SAIEVAC is for the support received in terms of
resources and expertise. More importantly the presence of head of table from day one to now
is indication of how much they believe in the cause. I am sure with bit of teasing here and
there and bit of here and there we will come up with this Regional Plan of Action. I commit I
will leave no stone unturned to get this Regional Plan of Action as best and effective as we can.
I thank participants, government, partner agencies, back of the floor agencies, civil society
and all associated. I am sure we will meet again and that time by the support of SAARC,
UNICEF and UNFPA will be reporting back on following on what has emanated in these two
days. Fourth governing meeting in first quarter of 2013 will be the platform where SAIEVAC
will be putting forth this draft plan. At some point in 2013 October we could report back in
terms of action taken. I am happy that many of the actions are some of the actions already
taken.
Thank you very much to all of you. I thank all the participants; thank people behind the scene
team from SAIEVAC secretariat supported by volunteers. I thank the chair person."-
Note: All the relevant documents pertaining to the RPA will be attached as Annexures
appropriately along with this report.
13. ANNEX
a. DRAFT REGIONAL ACTION PLAN