- ‘Just Rights for Children’ (JRC), the organization behind the ‘Child Marriage-Free World’ campaign, is working to eradicate child marriage globally, including in India.
- The Global Catholic Congress summit saw the participation of prominent religious leaders from 44 countries.
- This endorsement comes ahead of the first International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage, observed on November 27.
The Global Catholic Congress has extended its support to the ‘Child Marriage-Free World’ campaign. The initiative saw the participation of prominent Christian religious leaders from 44 countries. Delegates at the summit pledged to combat child marriage within their respective communities. The campaign was launched by ‘Just Rights for Children’ (JRC)—a civil society organization dedicated to protecting child rights—with the goal of eliminating child marriage by 2030. Through this campaign, JRC is working to end the practice globally. In India, JRC operates as the largest network of civil society organizations, collaborating with over 300 partners across all 782 districts of the country.
The summit, held in Rome, Italy, brought together senior Catholic clergy—including archbishops, bishops, and other key religious leaders—from across the globe, including India, the United States, Canada, Africa, Australia, Singapore, the Middle East, and Europe. This support underscores the vital role that religious leaders play in guiding society and challenging deeply entrenched, harmful practices. The Global Catholic Congress works to protect the civil and fundamental rights of the Catholic community across religious, social, cultural, educational, and economic spheres. Rajeev Kochuparambil, President of the Global Catholic Congress, stated, “Every child deserves a childhood filled with dignity, education, safety, and hope. Ending child marriage is our collective moral responsibility. Families, communities, and religious institutions must stand united to achieve this. The support from members of the Global Catholic Congress across 44 countries reflects our shared commitment to protecting children and building a world where no child’s childhood is stolen in the name of marriage. We must now translate this commitment into concrete action and work together to create a world free from child marriage by 2030.”
This year, November 27th will be observed for the first time as the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage.’ The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to this effect in September. November 27th also marks the anniversary of the ‘Child Marriage-Free India’ (Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat) campaign, launched by the Government of India in 2024.
Bhuvan Ribhu, founder of ‘Just Rights for Children,’ welcomed this support, saying, “We warmly welcome the Global Catholic Congress’s backing for the ‘Child Marriage-Free World’ campaign. The voices of religious leaders have the power to awaken the conscience of society, and they can play a decisive role in preventing child marriage. Their collective commitment sends a clear message: no tradition or custom can justify the violation of children’s rights. When religion stands on the side of justice and child protection, child marriage can be eradicated. This solidarity is a significant step toward a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and realize their full potential.”
Key leaders participating in the conference included Rajeev Kochuparambil, President of the Global Catholic Congress; Benny Pulikkakara, Global Vice President and General Convener for the Middle East; and General Secretary Dr. Josekutty J. Those present included Ozhukayil, former president Biju Parayanilayam, Kerala Government Minister Advocate Mons Joseph, Kerala Government Chief Whip Appu John Joseph, Global Vice President Joby George, Delhi President Advocate Dr. K. C. George, Rome City Councilor Dr. Teresa Less Sebastian, and Chevalier Prof. K. M. Francis.
Prominent religious leaders who attended the conference included His Beatitude Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, Bishop Mar Remigius Inchananiyil, Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, Archbishop Mar Tharayil, His Excellency Bishop Mar John Nellikunnel, Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt (USA), Bishop Mar Jose Kalluvelil (Canada), and Bishop Mar Tony Neelankavil. Also in attendance were several prominent priests, including Fr. Dr. Philip Kaviyil; Fr. George Kudilil, Fr. Sebastian Thumulil, Fr. Harshajan Pazhayattil, and Fr. John Puthuva (all associated with media); Fr. Jolly Vadakkan (Apostolic Visitor to the Gulf countries); Fr. Michael Vettikattu; and Fr. Geo Kadavi, Managing Director (MD) of Deepika.