UNICEF urges Bangladesh to link investment with ending child marriage

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell called for investment in children’s education, health and protection after a Bangladesh visit ending October 20. Priorities included keeping girls in school and supporting learning for Rohingya and host-community children.

UNICEF links child marriage with interrupted schooling and reduced opportunities, while calling for legal loopholes to be addressed. Budget commitments require implementation; they are not services already reaching every child. Progress therefore needs to be assessed through access to learning and protection as well as the announced financial commitment.