Madagascar: The Government of Madagascar has raised the legal
age of marriage These new laws are crucial steps in putting
Madagascar’s child protection legislation in line with
international standards, namely the United Nations Convention
for the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW), the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child (UNCRC) and its optional protocols, and the African
Charter for the Wellbeing of Children, ratified by the
Government of Madagascar in March 1989, March 1991 and August
1991 respectively. The Malagasy Parliament’s decision to pass
these new laws has been deeply applauded by UNICEF’s Madagascar
Country Office. Speaking from the capitol city, Antananarivo,
UNICEF Country Representative Mr. Bruno Maes conveyed his
satisfaction. “UNICEF would like to congratulate the Government
of Madagascar for their continued engagement in the issue of
child protection,” said Mr. Maes. “These newly passed laws are
excellent and landmark achievements for the rights