On 11 October 2012, Plan Uganda's Because I am a Girl campaign was launched on the first International Day of the Girl. Hundreds of rights activists, both boys and girls, attended the launch at the Imperial Royale hotel in Kampala. The celebrations began with children marching from the Ministry of Gender to the Imperial Royale Hotel led by a brass band. The children delivered a memorandum containing their concerns to the Speaker of Parliament. The Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga officiated at the launch, which was also attended by the State Minister for Youth and Childrenâs Affairs, Hon. Ronald Kibuule, the State minister for Gender and Cultural affairs, Hon. Lukia Nakadama, commissioners from over five line ministries and Members of Parliament. Over 50 NGOS both local and international joined Plan in commemorating the International Day of the Girl as well as the launch of the BIAAG campaign. The function was punctuated by colourful music performances from artists known for advocating child rights.

Somalia row over ‘forced child marriage’ bill

On August 10, 2020, 1:43 PM

Somali activists have started a petition urging parliament to reject proposed legislation that, they say, could allow child and forced marriages.

The petition, signed by more than 6,000 people so far, says the proposed legislation contravene the country’s constitution and international conventions.

“The federal parliament of Somalia is set to vote on a heavily amended “Intercourse Bill” that will further violate the human rights, agency and bodily autonomy of children, women and girls in Somalia,” the petition says.

The UK ambassador to Somalia, Ben Fender, has weighed in on the issue, tweeting that the “new draft allows marriage at puberty, plus says a forced marriage is one where the family (not individual) doesn’t consent”.

The United Nations has also criticised the bill, describing it as deeply-flawed.

The bill has been stuck in parliament for the last two years.

Activists say sexual violence is on the rise in Somalia but victims are often reluctant to file complaints due to stigma and cultural taboos.

Story By BBC

Somalia Somalia parliament to pass "forced marriage bill'Somalia row over 'forced child marriage' bill