Increase in child marriages!

2025-09-09 13:15:02


	 

	 

	Pelşin Çetinkaya

	 

	AMED - While child marriages, which have become a fundamental problem within the system, are being legitimized, Berfin Elçi, a member of the HRA Children's Commission, said that the root cause of this problem is male mentality and the social structure designed by the state.

	 

	In Turkey, the laws are far from protecting the best interests of the child. This situation deprives children of both their rights and their identities, and with the problems exacerbated by the conditions of war, children face new difficulties every day. Not only are they unable to enjoy their childhood, but they are also forced to endure the life imposed on them.

	 

	One of the most pressing of these problems is child marriage. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TSI), in 2024 alone, 617 boys and 9,354 girls were married. Instead of finding solutions, the state is deepening the problem with its practices.

	 

	Berfin Elçi, a member of the Human Rights Association (HRA) Children's Commission, emphasized that child marriages have become a social scourge. 

	 

	‘The laws contradict the principle of the best interests of the child’

	 

	Berfin Elçi says that current laws allow for child marriage, which is a very wrong situation, adding, “Child marriage refers to formal or informal marriages where at least one of the parties is a child. Here, I would like to mention the Turkish Civil Code. According to Article 124 of the Civil Code, marriage is legal for 17-year-olds. In some cases, with a court decision, 16-year-olds are also allowed to marry.

	 

	This is a very wrong situation. Because 16- and 17-year-olds are still children and are not ready for marriage, both psychologically and physically. Considering the physical and mental development of children, these marriages conflict with and contradict the principle of the best interests of the child."

	 

	‘State laws legitimize child marriage’

	 

	Berfin Elçi stated that the main reasons for child marriage are the concept of “honor” in society, laws, and poverty, adding, "There are many underlying reasons for child marriage. One of these is the confinement of girls within the concept of honor and the desire of families to marry off their daughters early to reduce the social pressure on them. Another reason is poverty. Due to poverty and economic crisis, families aim to marry off their daughters at an early age to free themselves from their economic responsibilities. 

	 

	The most fundamental reasons are the patriarchal system, poverty, and the state's failure to take protective and preventive measures. Instead of preventing this, the state consents to the marriage of 16-year-old children. The state legitimizes child marriage with its laws. This is a very wrong situation." 

	 

	'Consent' remission paves the way for child marriage

	 

	Berfin Elçi, who states that many of the child's rights are taken away when they are married off and that this puts their life at risk, says, "As child rights advocates, we believe this constitutes child abuse and exploitation. Furthermore, in criminal cases, perpetrators are given remission on their sentences on the grounds that the child consented. These discounts pave the way for child marriage. 

	 

	The issue is not just traditions; it is the state's protective and preventive laws that feed this tradition. From the moment a child gets married, their childhood is taken away. They are deprived of many rights, such as the right to be a child, security, freedom, and education. In addition to all this, there is also the issue of early pregnancy. Early pregnancy poses a great health risk to the child. We know that maternal and infant mortality rates are very high in this age group."

	 

	'Laws should be introduced that prioritize the child's best interests'

	 

	Berfin Elçi emphasized that child marriage is also a form of abuse. Berfin Elçi said, "Children are not individuals who can psychologically bear the responsibility of marriage. When children of this age get married, they become vulnerable to many types of violence and become targets. Many rights are violated, such as the child's right to life, right to play, right to education, right to safety, and right to freedom. Child marriages are outright child abuse, and this must be prevented.

	 

	 The solution is multifaceted. First, the state must repeal Article 124 of the Civil Code, as I mentioned earlier. Because the state's permission for a 17-year-old to marry, granting marriage permission, is child abuse and encourages child marriages. Any law that does not consider the best interests of the child should be repealed, and laws that aim for the best interests of the child should be introduced. Civil society organizations, bar associations, and associations are also a very important part of this process. These organizations should both support children in the field and continue awareness campaigns."