SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage

Child marriage remains a problem in Southern Africa due to a variety of factors. In at least five countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), almost 40% of children are married before they are 18 years of age. Malawi and Mozambique are amongst 10 countries in the world with the highest rates of child marriage. In both countries over 50% of children are married before they are 18 years of age.

The Model Law is intended to trigger policy reforms and development or revision of substantive laws in Member States of SADC. This report contains the approved and finalised version of the Model Law, including its objectives, provisions, and interventions relating to child marriage.