CSOs Unite Against Proposal to Lower Marriageable Age in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal – Feb 12,2025

A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs), including member organizations of the CZOP network, gathered at the CZOP office in Kathmandu to address the recent proposal to lower the legal marriageable age in Nepal from 20 to 18 years.

The meeting focused on developing a collective response to the proposed amendment, which has sparked concern among child rights advocates and gender equality campaigners. Participants agreed that reducing the marriageable age could have serious implications for youth development, girls’ education, and efforts to combat child marriage in the country.

During the discussion, CSO representatives explored strategies to raise their concerns through formal channels, ultimately deciding to either submit an attention paper or form a delegation to engage directly with the Parliamentary Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights.

Several CSO members also expressed their gratitude to CZOP for its continued advocacy on this issue and for leading efforts to safeguard the rights of young people by opposing the reduction of the marriageable age.

The meeting concluded with a unified call to maintain the current legal marriage age at 20, emphasizing the need for policies that protect and empower Nepal’s youth.