Technical Brief: Harmonization of Minimum Ages and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

Minimum ages of consent do not need to be made the same for marriage, for sex and for access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. This is because these minimum ages of consent serve different purposes and need to be understood from that starting point. In the case of marriage, the minimum age of consent advocated for is 18 years without exceptions, as per international standards. This aims to guard against minors being given out in marriage without their consent and to prevent the disruption of their schooling.