Last December, Zambia passed a new marriage law that makes all forms of child marriage illegal. The previous law from 1963 contained several exceptions. Firstly, the law opened up marriages between two parties where both were between 16 and 21 years of age, subject to parental consent. Second, the law did not regulate marriages contracted under local traditions. In the new law, however, traditional marriages are also bound to the minimum age of 18. Thus, all marriages where one or both parties are under the age of 18 are invalid. The legislative amendment strengthens children’s rights and is in line with the UN’s sustainability goals.
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