Child marriage is on the rise again in crisis-affected regions, exposing girls to exploitation, violence and conditions widely recognized as forms of modern slavery. Worsening conflict, displacement, and poverty are pushing more families to marry their daughters at a young age. And experts stress that child marriage is not a cultural issue; it’s a form of gender-based violence and a pathway into exploitation. 

Marriage as a survival strategy 

In recent years, child marriage has been on the decline. However, that trend is now reversing in some areas. And it is conflict and economic hardship that are fueling that rise. In Gaza, most surveyed households reported increased pressure to marry girls under 18. Families facing displacement, insecurity, and loss of income often see early marriage as a way to cope. In some cases, it is viewed as protection. In others, it is seen as a financial necessity. However, advocates warn that this “solution” places girls in dangerous and exploitative situations. 

Sima Alami, adolescent and youth program officer at the UN agency for sexual and reproductive health shared with UN News: 

Families see marriage as a survival strategy amid displacement, poverty and insecurity (and) some evidence suggests that 63 per cent of girls married at a young age have experienced physical, psychological or sexual violence. 

Child marriage is widely recognized as a form of forced marriage. In turn, forced marriage is considered a form of modern slavery because individuals cannot leave freely and sometimes are subjected to control, abuse or coercion. Additionally, marriage usually means girls are taken out of school and often placed in unequal relationships with older partners. Survivors’ testimony and evidence show this common scenario creates long-term dependency and increases their risk of exploitation. 

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