Just Rights for Children (JRC) convened a high-level side event, "Strengthening Legal Systems to Ensure the End of Child Marriage”, during the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at the United Nations. The event was organised in partnership with the Office of the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, with the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations serving as co-host. It was held at the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations in New York.

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The event brought together ministers, ambassadors, senior United Nations officials, representatives of the African Union, government leaders, civil society organisations, survivors and global advocates to advance a rule of law approach to ending child marriage. The programme featured keynote remarks by H.E. Dr Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD, alongside representatives from UNFPA, the Governments of France, Germany, Nepal and the Dominican Republic, the African Union, UN Women, Equality Now, and Just Rights for Children.

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Discussions reinforced that child marriage must be recognised as a crime against children requiring strong legal systems, effective enforcement, and institutional accountability. Participants emphasised that while many countries have enacted laws prohibiting child marriage, consistent implementation and coordinated action are essential to end the practice within a generation. The event also showcased proven law-anchored prevention models and highlighted the need for global cooperation to achieve a Child Marriage Free World.

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During the event, Bhuwan Ribhu, Founder of Just Rights for Children, called upon global leaders to support the establishment of a United Nations World Day for the Elimination of Child Marriage, emphasising that such recognition would strengthen political commitment, mobilise governments and accelerate global action to end child marriage. The event concluded with a shared commitment to advance legal reform, strengthen institutional accountability and build international partnerships to protect every child.