Eliminate Forced Marriage

The interim inquiry report entitled Advocating for the elimination of child and forced marriage was tabled in the Commonwealth Parliament on 2nd December. The inquiry was conducted by the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  The inquiry focused on the advocacy work being undertaken by the Australian Government to eliminate child and forced marriage practices. The report noted that global commitments have been made towards the elimination of child and forced marriage practices as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, the world is not on track to eliminate child and forced marriage by 2030.

The report lists 9 recommendations for the Australian Government which include research and education initiatives. It also recommends engagement with community and faith based groups in Australia and beyond to discuss and support work in shifting social norms in relation to child and forced marriage. A full list of the recommendations can be found by downloading the Committee report here.

ACRATH provided a submission for this inquiry and welcomes the recommendations in the report. A copy of ACRATH’s submission can be found here (Submission 3).