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2018 Insight Series: 1. Forced Marriage

Countries
World
Sources
Walk Free Foundation
Publication date
Origin
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Jacqueline Joudo Larsen, Fiona David and Radhika Rego

For most people, getting married is a commitment they and their partner have made willingly. While the reasons for entering into marriage have changed over time, for most people it remains a source and symbol of happiness, love, and a strong partnership celebrated by friends and family. As the new Global Estimates of Modern Slavery reveal, this is not the case for an estimated 15.4 million people living in a forced marriage. For these people, marriage takes on a whole new meaning – one of exploitation, isolation, and lack of sexual and physical autonomy.

While definitions vary, the estimate of ‘forced marriage’ in the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery refers to situations where persons, regardless of their age, have been forced to marry without their consent. A person might be forced to marry through physical, emotional, or financial duress, deception by family members, the spouse, or others, or the use of force and threats. Once forced to marry, many victims experience conditions similar to slavery and are placed at greater risk of being subjected to other forms of exploitation, including sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and other forms of forced labour. Children are especially vulnerable in these situations.

Despite the long history of such practices around the world, the measurement and scope of research into forced marriage is at an early stage. The recent Global Estimates of Modern Slavery present us with new statistics and insights that can help shape our understanding of the issue and enable urgent action.

Read the full report.