Posted: Friday, August 30, 2024. 9:40 am CST.
By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children Rossana Briceño and the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) are hosting consultations sessions outlining the proposed amendments to Belize’s marriage act.
The proposed amendments to Belize’s Marriage Act, specifically focuses on raising the legal age for marriage from 16 to 18.
A consultation session was held on August 29, 2024 in Santa Elena Town.
Participants included representatives of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Youth Empowerment Alliance, the Child Advisory Board, Sacred Heart College, Mopan Technical High School, Eden High School and community leaders.
The proposed amendments includes changes to various sections of the law to reflect this new age requirement, while also removing provisions related to parental or guardian consent for the marriage of minors.
Special Envoy Briceno explained via social media that, “ The amendments seek to ensure that no person under 18 can be legally married, removing conditions and exceptions that previously allowed for the marriage of minors with parental consent.”
This proposed change emphasizes protecting the rights of young people and ensuring that marriage decisions are made with full consent and maturity.
Therefore, this campaign to raise the age of marriage from 16 to 18 is about more than just legal reform—it is about protecting childhood, ensuring the right to education, and empowering our young people to make informed decisions about their futures.
The Special Envoy urges everyone to raise awareness and share the importance of increasing the legal age required for marriage, knowing that it will help to create a pathway for children to grow into their full potential, to dream without limitations, and to pursue their futures on their own terms.
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The post Belize moves to end child marriage appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, August 30, 2024. 9:40 am CST. By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children Rossana Briceño and the National
The post Belize moves to end child marriage appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.