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2025 U. Oxford Hum. Rts. Hub J. 1 (2025)

handle is hein.journals/uoxhruj2025 and id is 1 raw text is: Coming of Age: The Adoption of 18 as the Legal Minimum Age of Marriage Jacques Hartmann and Reem Alhasawi* Abstract This article explores the evolution of international law regarding the minimum legal age for marriage, highlighting existing discrepancies and gaps. Although several treaties indirectly address child marriage, only the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women explicitly mentions 'child marriage', albeit without specifying a minimum age. Conversely, the Convention on the Rights of the Child defines the term'child' but does not address marriage. Through an analysis of the relevant treaties, comments from treaty bodies, and practices, the article identifies 16 as the current de facto minimum legal age for marriage, with a movement towards 18 years of age. Keywords: International law, Child marriage, Legal age for marriage, Human rights treaties, Treaty analysis, Subsequent practice 1. Introduction: Child Marriage and the Lack of a Clear InternaionalStandard Child marriage is a global issue affecting several regions, cultures, and * Professor Jacques Hartmann is a Professor of International Law and Human Rights, School of Law, University of Dundee. Dr Reem Alhasawi is an Assistant Professor at Kuwait University's College of Law (Department of International Law). The authors gratefully acknowledge helpful comments made on earlier drafts of this paper from Dr Linde Lindkvist, Lund University, Dr Tracy Kirk, the University of Stirling and colleagues from the School of Law, University of Dundee. The usual disclaimer applies.