“Do what is right, my righteousness will soon be revealed.”
Christian relief organizations are welcoming the Solomon Islands Government’s move to amend its marriage law in order to end child marriage. According to Christian Daily International (CDI), Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka recently told parliament that the Marriage and Divorce Act of 1945 is under review, with the aim of aligning it with international human rights standards.
The proposed amendment includes raising the legal minimum age of marriage to 18, part of the process of revising the outdated 1945 law.
This step comes as part of the “Protektim Pikinini Moa” (Protect Children More) project, jointly carried out by World Vision, Save the Children, and ChildFund with support from the New Zealand government. Since 2022, these groups have been campaigning across the Solomon Islands to raise awareness about the dangers of child marriage and the need for legal reform.
As part of the campaign, the “Make It 18” consultations brought together 170 participants, including 148 children. They discussed key issues such as raising the minimum marriage age, applying the rule to customary marriages, requiring official age documentation, ensuring the consent of both the couple and their guardians, and strengthening penalties for illegal marriages.
According to UNICEF, children make up 45% of the Solomon Islands’ population of 756,700, and one in five women are married before the age of 18. Under customary law, there are currently no age restrictions, and child marriage continues to occur frequently.
The Solomon Islands Christian Association (SCA) has also expressed support. General Secretary Rev. Edward Koholai stated last year that while the country is “moving in the right direction,” urgent action is still needed to resolve this issue.
The government has now tasked the Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission with reviewing whether the current law complies with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Raising the legal marriage age to 18 is expected not only to prevent child marriage but also to reduce maternal mortality, protect children’s physical and mental health, expand educational opportunities, strengthen economic independence, and affirm the right of young people to make their own life decisions.(Source: Christian Daily, Edited Version )
This is what the Lord says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.” (Isaiah 56:1,NIV)
God, thank You for caring for children and women who were not protected by old customs and laws. We place the process of changing the law in Your hands and ask that it be done quickly. May this law guard the Youth, so they grow in Your truth and help build a fair nation. Help churches and Christian groups stand together for what is right. Lord, heal this land with Your love and justice, so people turn from sin, live in righteousness, and wait with hope for the day of Your salvation.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
