'India should co-sponsor resolution against child marriages'

Members of the civil society Monday urged the Indian government to co-sponsor the global resolution against child marriages.

NGOs like Action Aid India, Bachpan Bachao Andolan among others came together to condemn the government for its lackadaisical attitude on the issue by agreeing to signing the resolution but not co-sponsoring it.

"India has refused to co-sponsor the resolution in spite declaring its position against marriages of girls less than 18 years and a law preventing it. It shows the lack of ownership by the government on this serious issue," said a statement.

"The stance taken by the government contradicts its own position and sends confusing signals of ownership and commitment. Co-sponsoring a UN resolution amounts to the government agreeing to it completely in letter and spirit rather than just signing it," it added.

The members suggested three recommendations to curb child marriages which included legal synchronisation and amendments, implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 and spreading awareness.

The motion was adopted during the 24th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Sep 27.