Child, Early and Forced Marriage is gaining increasing recognition as an issue in Turkey that demands attention. Social norms, violence against women, barriers to educational opportunities, financial constraints and humanitarian crises have been found to be the main drivers of child marriage in the country. Mostly affecting girls, child marriage denies the right of choice of a spouse and a future, creating devastating social, psychological, economic and health consequences for the girls and young women, their children and the community as a whole.

We are working in Turkey to combat CEFM in different ways, firstly through public and institutional awareness raising of CEFM as a serious concern in Turkey and the impact it has on society. Secondly, we aim to build upon this by contributing to prevention, early detection and response to cases of CEFM throughout the country – along with effective monitoring mechanisms to inform the process. By building the capacity of governmental institutions and collaborating with experienced partners, IOM Turkey seeks promote favourable social norms and attitudes that contribute to combatting CEFM.

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