Columbia Bans Child Marriage, Sets Legal Age at 18

Colombia has taken a historic step by officially banning child marriage, setting 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage without exceptions. Until now, minors were able to marry with parental consent, a loophole that left many—particularly young girls—vulnerable to exploitation, early pregnancies, and being forced out of school. By closing this gap, lawmakers aim to strengthen child protection and align Colombia with international human rights standards.

The move has been widely praised as a victory for children’s rights and gender equality. Advocacy groups have long argued that child marriage perpetuates cycles of poverty and abuse, disproportionately affecting girls. With this reform, Colombia joins a growing list of countries working to end child marriage and ensure that young people can make decisions about their futures freely and safely, without coercion or pressure.