IBA EVENTS – Ending child marriage : Legal obligations and global responses – 13 February 2026 – 1500-1600 GMT

A webinar presented by the IBA’s Human Rights Institute, supported by the IBA Women Lawyers’ Committee, the IBA Human Rights Law Committee and the IBA Criminal Law Committee.

Book online

This webinar will examine the global prevalence, drivers and consequences of child marriage, with a particular focus on its legal, human rights and gender equality implications. Despite international commitments to end the practice, child marriage remains widespread and is often driven by poverty, conflict, displacement, harmful social norms and gender discrimination. It has profound and lasting impacts on girls’ education, health, autonomy and economic participation, and is closely linked to broader patterns of inequality and exploitation.

The session will explore current international legal frameworks, policy responses and advocacy efforts aimed at eradicating child marriage, as well as the challenges in implementation and enforcement. It will also consider the role of legal professionals in advancing reform, strengthening protection mechanisms and supporting survivors. The webinar is intended to inform and equip attendees to engage more effectively in legal, policy and advocacy initiatives to end child marriage globally.

Moderator

• Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC, IBA Human Rights Institute, London

Speakers

• Javaid Rehman, Brunel University of London, London
• Mikiko Otani, Child Rights Connect, Tokyo
• Payzee Mahmod, Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation, London
• Rachael Hongo, Girls Not Brides, London
• Siobhan Warrington, Girls Not Brides, London
• UNICEF representative, TBC

This webinar is free for everyone to attend. Places are limited, so early registration is recommended.

Kind regards,

Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC Director, IBA Human Rights Institute, London