HUMAN RIGHTS MODULE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL DID YOU KNOW? Child means a person below 18 years old – Child Act 2001 CHILD MARRIAGE is a violation of human rights! Child marriage denies children the right to: HEALTH Children who are married usually are forced to become mothers at a young age resulting in them facing the risk of death or injury during childbirth. “The risk of mothers dying during childbirth is high for female children below 15 years of age” – WHO ABUSE-FREE LIFE Children who are married have a high possibility of experiencing physical, sexual and psychological abuse throughout their lives. CHOICE Children who are married have few or no choices at all as to when and who they marry. 2017 statistics on child marriages EDUCATION After marriage, children will usually stop school if they were in school before. Children married to adults “Marriage must only be implemented with the full consent and freedom of both parties” – UDHR *Source: Oral reply in Parliament on 18 July 2018 OUR ROLE IN STOPPING CHILD MARRIAGE PARENTS reject marrying off their child to relinquish their responsibilities or to receive a dowry. The GOVERNMENT ensures that the laws and policies are firm in preventing child marriages from occurring. Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) 66 TEACHERS are sensitive to the issue of child marriage and report cases to the authorities. COURTS ensure the principle of the best interests of the child is enforced. LEADERS of society support families and children to avoid child marriages. CIVIL SOCIETY raises public awareness and holds the government responsible for stopping child marriages. #stopchildmarriage