Extreme poverty, climate change, disasters, misuse of technology, gender stereotypes and harmful practices heighten the risk of women and children being trafficked, including for the purpose of child and forced marriage. The ASEAN Gender Outlook published in 2022 noted that while child marriage rates in the region are among the lowest in the world, approximately 16% of girls enter into marriage before turning 18. ASEAN recognises that the intersection between child marriage and trafficking in persons needs attention and effective response. There is a critical need to intensify efforts in promoting and safeguarding the rights of children against trafficking in persons, including from the scourge of child and forced marriage, which intersects with trafficking and disproportionately impacts women and children in the region.
