Global Catholic Congress Supports Call for Child Marriage Free World

Ranchi:The Global Catholic Congress, comprising prominent leaders from 44 countries, has extended its support to a call for Child Marriage Free World (CMFW). Just Rights for Children, a civil society network working for child protection, had launched the campaign for CMFW aiming to end the practice by 2030. Just Rights for Children is working to end child marriage globally through its CMFW initiative. The organisation, which is the largest civil society network in India, is working in 782 districts with the help of over 300 NGO partners for the protection of children.

The summit held in Italy’s Rome brought together senior Catholic clergy, archbishops, bishops and other leaders from India, the United States, Canada, Africa, Australia, Singapore, the Middle East and Europe among others. The representatives also took a pledge to fight child marriage in their communities.Their support underscored the role faith leaders play in guiding community members and challenging harmful practices prevalent in society.

Global Catholic Congress works to protect the civil and fundamental rights of the Catholic community on religious, social, cultural, educational and economic aspects.

Rajeev Kochuparambil, President of the Global Catholic Congress, said, “Every child deserves a childhood filled with dignity, education, safety and hope. Ending child marriage is a collective moral responsibility that calls upon families, communities and faith institutions to stand together. The support of members of the Global Catholic Congress from 44 countries reflects our shared commitment to protecting children and building a world where no child is deprived of their childhood through marriage. We must turn this commitment into meaningful action and work together towards a Child Marriage Free World by 2030.”

This is the first time the world will observe November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. The United Nations General Assembly had adopted a resolution to this end in September. November 27 is also the anniversary of the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign which was launched by the Indian government in 2024.

Bhuwan Ribhu, founder of Just Rights for Children, welcomed the support, saying, “We warmly welcome the Global Catholic Congress’s support for our Child Marriage Free World campaign. Faith leaders are powerful voices of conscience who can play a decisive role in preventing child marriage. Their collective commitment sends a clear message that no tradition or custom can justify violating a child’s rights. When faith stands with justice and the protection of children, child marriage can end in one day. This solidarity is a vital step towards ensuring every child can learn, grow and realise their full potential”

Prominent leaders at the gathering included Global Catholic Congress vice-president and general convenor Middle East Benny Pulikkakara, general secretary Dr Josekutty J Ozhukayil, former Global Catholic Congress President Biju Parayanilayam, Kerala minister Adv Mons Joseph, Kerala government Chief Whip Apu John Joseph, Global vice-president Joby George, and Delhi president Adv Dr K C George, municipal counsellor Rome Dr Teresa Lis Sebastian and chevaliar Prof K M Francis

Among the spiritual leaders in attendance were His Beatitude Major Archbishop Mar Raphel Thattil, Bishop Mar Remigious Inchananiyil, Arch Bishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, Archbishop Mar Tharayil, His Excellency Bishop Mar John Nellikunnel, Bishop Mar Joy Alappattu (US) Bishop Mar Jose Kalluvelil (Canada) Bishop Mar Tony Neelankavil and prominent Priest Fr Dr Philip Kaviyil, Fr George Kudilil (Media), Fr Sebastian Thoomulil, Fr Harshajan Pazhayattil, Fr John Puthuva, Fr Jolly Vadakkan Apostolic Visitor Gulf, Fr Michael Vettikattu, MD Deepika, and Fr Geo Kadavi.