Central African Republic
Child marriage is common in countries that are experiencing conflict and Central African Republic is one of them. Families often give out their girls for marriage to ensure their safety from violence or sexual harassment. Some of these girls are forced to become child soldiers or serve as concubines in military bases, reports Girls Not Brides.
Other drivers of child marriages in the country are poverty, lack of access to education, polygamy, female genital mutilation, among others. The legal minimum age for civil marriage is 18. However, marriage at 13 years can be permitted if approved by a court or the girl is pregnant. Central African Republic also says early marriages are legal with the consent of parents.
