A sharp rise in early and forced marriages has been reported by the UN Population Fund, which describes the trend as a "severe escalation." The warning highlights growing concerns over child marriage and coercive unions, particularly in regions already facing humanitarian crises. Experts link the surge to economic hardship, displacement, and weakened social protections, raising alarms about long-term impacts on education and gender equality. The development underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the root causes driving these marriages.
The UN Population Fund also says there has been a "severe escalation" in the number of early and forced marriages.
