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Risk of child marriage rising with pandemic

Child marriage is increasing with up to 10 million more girls at risk of becoming brides before the age of 18 due to the pandemic, UNICEF reported.

Members of a girls' football team in Bangladesh that requires them to stay in school
Members of a girls' football team in Bangladesh that requires them to stay in school, part of Banchte Shekha organization's U.K.-aid supported program against child marriage (AN/Ricci Coughlan/DFID)

GENEVA (AN) — Child marriage is increasing with up to 10 million more girls at risk of becoming brides before the age of 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF reported on Monday.

The U.N. children's agency said the coronavirus profoundly affects the everyday lives of girls through school closures, disrupted health services and family financial pressures.

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