The International Conference on Strengthening Efforts for Prevention of Child Marriages co-organized by the Azerbaijan State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan on Wednesday. The conference brought together delegations from Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Iran and other countries, IRNA reported. “Early marriages and giving birth in the tender years seriously damage girls’ health,” said Andro Shilakadze, UNICEF representative in Azerbaijan. “Poverty, social problems and other factors are the main reasons of early marriage of girls,” he added. Child marriage is a human rights violation. The event featured speeches and discussions on the prevention of child marriages, strengthening protective mechanisms, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of abuse into the society. Conferees also discussed ways to increase opportunities for educating girls, spreading awareness and healthcare services.
