This reform aligns with Colombia's international commitments, including the Belém do Pará Convention and UN recommendations, which recognize child marriage as a violation of rights to education, health, and autonomy.

Ranked 11th in Latin America for child marriages, Colombia has struggled with early unions, often involving older men and younger girls, leading to cycles of poverty, abuse, and school dropouts, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.

The law, passed by the Senate on November 13, 2024, closes legal loopholes that previously allowed harmful practices, violating constitutional rights to equality, development, and protection from violence.