Plan International welcomes ‘landmark moment’: as Colombia’s child marriage ban comes into effect

February 7, 2025
child-marriage child-marriage-ban child-protection policy
February 7, 2025
~1 min read

Press Release

Plan International welcomes ‘landmark moment’: as Colombia’s child marriage ban comes into effect

Plan International celebrates the historic moment as Colombia’s new child marriage law officially comes into effect, raising the legal minimum age for marriage to 18 with no exceptions.

The bill was officially enacted following Colombia’s Constitutional Court ruling C-039 of 2025, which abolished legal exceptions that allowed minors over 14 to marry with parental consent. This landmark decision raises the minimum age of marriage to 18 with no exceptions.

“This is more than just a legal milestone — it’s a life-changing moment for countless girls across Colombia,” said Ángela Anzola, President of Plan International Colombia. “With this law now in place, we are one step closer to a future where every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve her dreams without the burden of forced marriage.”

Child marriage has impacted many girls and adolescents across different territories of Colombia. “This law represents hope and justice for every girl who has been denied her childhood and autonomy,” Ángela added. “But the real work starts now ensuring its implementation and changing the social norms that have sustained this harmful practice for generations.”

While this law is a critical step forward, Plan International emphasizes that policy alone is not enough to end child marriage. The organization calls for continued investment in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for girls and their families, alongside awareness campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms.

“We must ensure that no girl is left behind. Making this law a reality requires collaboration with leaders, schools, and communities to address the root causes that drive child marriage,” Ángela stated. “This includes ensuring families have the resources they need so that marriage is no longer seen as the only option for girls.”

The enforcement of the law includes the design and implementation of the National Comprehensive Programme for Life Projects for Children and Adolescents, a key initiative aimed at addressing the root causes of early unions, such as poverty and lack of education.

“Our work continues,” Ángela emphasized. “Together with families, communities, and partners, we must ensure this law is not just words on paper but a reality that protects and empowers every girl in Colombia. Only then can we create a future where girls grow up free, equal, and full of promise.”

Plan International remains committed to working alongside civil society and government partners to ensure that every girl in Colombia is free to pursue her future, unburdened by the consequences of early marriage.

About Plan International

Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children's rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world and tackle the root causes of challenges children face. We are there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in more than 80 countries. We won't stop until we are all equal.

For further information or interview requests, please contact:
Vannette Tolbert
Senior Manager, Communications
Email: vannette.tolbert@planusa.org