On September 3, Ipas Bolivia, in coordination with the Human Rights Commission and Congresswoman Betty Yañíquez, promoted the socialization of Bill No. 092/2024-2025, which seeks to prohibit early and forced marriages and unions (MUIFT), with the participation of deputies of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.
This project is promoted by Ipas Bolivia, in coordination with Senator Virginia Velasco and the Human Rights Commission, with the firm purpose of protecting the rights of girls and adolescents throughout the country. During the socialization process, it was emphasized that the law is not only a legal advance, but also a social and political commitment to ensure that no girl or boy will see their dreams and life projects cut short because of a forced marriage or union.
The event was also presided over by the vice-president of the Chamber of Deputies of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Deysi Choque, who shared a personal testimony to reinforce the importance of this initiative:
“I can talk about these unions because I come from the east of Bolivia and because I lived through this problem . since I was young, without the possibility of deciding about my life or my future. I know what it means to have other people make decisions for us, what it means to lose opportunities and to be burdened with responsibilities that do not correspond to us at such a young age. Today, as a legislator, I have the responsibility and the conviction to promote a real change. This bill is a tool that will give a voice to those who need it most, to girls and adolescents who deserve to grow up free, to study, to dream and to choose. We cannot allow a history of silence and violation of rights to continue repeating itself. “.
The socialization was attended by 25 deputies and their advisors from all over the country, who expressed their interest in the subject and expressed their support for the Bill. They also emphasized their commitment to accompany the next stage of the legislative process, offering their support in the session of the Senate to achieve its approval.
This bill represents a decisive step towards the protection of the rights of children and adolescents, since it eliminates the exception contemplated in Law 603 of the Code of Families and Family Processes, which until now has allowed parents and the Judiciary to authorize the emancipation of minors for marriage.
“This bill does not seek to destroy marriage or the family; on the contrary, it seeks to strengthen them, always based on consent and legal age. We are not against an institution, what we want is that no child or adolescent should be forced to marry, because this violates their rights and robs them of the possibility of freely building their future. “
With this initiative, Bolivia is making progress in the consolidation of a more solid regulatory framework to guarantee the full exercise of the rights of girls, adolescents and women, and in the commitment to eradicate practices that violate their well-being and integral development.
