Nepal has the third highest rate of child marriage in Asia. Despite laws against it, the practice remains widespread in the country. Child marriage threatens the lives and health of girls, and limits their future prospects. Girls pressured into child marriage often become pregnant while still adolescents and are at higher risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

UNFPA is working closely with all its partners in Nepal towards a society that is free of violence and harmful practices for all women and girls, including child marriage. Under the Global Programme to End Child Marriage, jointly implemented by UNFPA and UNICEF with local partners in Nepal, both agencies have made concrete efforts to promote policies and programmes designed to end child marriage. Together we have accelerated action towards the empowerment, participation and protection of girls through interventions that are complementary and based on the added value we bring to this partnership.