ISLAMABAD: Oxfam and Save the Children launched a new project, Bachpan Bachao, with support from the government of the Netherlands atalocalhotelon Thursday.

Bachpan Bachao focuses on raising awareness on child marriages, among key stakeholders such as community and religious leaders, marriage registrars, government officials, law enforcement officers, health service providers, teachers and parents.

The project also aims to build the capacity of these stakeholders to prevent early marriages.

Netherlands has donated 410000 Euros towards the project which will be executed in Sindh and Punjab. The project aims to influence policy reform and improve access to quality adolescenthealth services.

Arif Jabbar Khan, country director of Oxfam in Pakistan, shared alarming statistics with participants on child marriages and the impact of these on the lives of the victims. He said, `Oxfam places the highest priority on supporting youngpeople in learning about their rights, growing in confidence and actively shaping their own futures` Netherlands Human Rights Ambassador Mr.

Kees van Baar, chief guest at the launching ceremony, said `Preventing child, early and forced marriages is a priority of the Dutch government.

Child, early and forced marriages entrap young women and girls in relationships that deprive them of their basic human rights.

These marriages are often not consensual, which is a violation of the girl`s reproductive rights. These marriages are symptoms of gender inequality and violence against women and girls.

Ambassador van Baar added, `We should not forget that ending child, early and forced marriages requires a long-term vision and timeframe. We need to build coalitions against child marriages. We would like to call upon mothers, fathers, political, religious and traditional leaders and civil society to join this fight against such marriages.

The Ambassador also highlighted the negative impact of child marriages on societies. Hesaid, `Girls under 15 are five times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than women over 20. Girl brides are more likely to be exposed to violence, abuse and forced sexual relations within marriage. They cannot exercise their right to choose how many children they have and when. Getting married often means the end of education and reduces the woman`s earning potential.

A panel discussion around the status and reforms of child marriages in the country followed. During the discussion retired Justice Nasira Iqbal said, `The Child Marriages Restraint Act was enacted in 1929. This law needs to be amended to make 18 years, the minimum age for marriage. Sindh has amended the law which is very positive and Punjab, the most populous province is urged to do the same.

In his closing remarks, Director Advocacy, Communications & Child Rights for Save the Children Mr. Arshad Mahmood said, `Child marriage is a complex issue, entwined in our socio-cultural history. It is time we all work together to prevent such marriages.