Child marriage in Guerrero sparks outrage and reveals institutional neglect

A ceremony between two minors in San Pedro Cuitlapa, Guerrero, sparked criticism for perpetuating illegal practices and violating children's rights.

Last Sunday in the community of San Pedro Cuitlapa, municipality of Tlacoachistlahuaca, Guerrero, a wedding was held between two minors. Although the precise age of those involved is not known, it is presumed to be two young adolescents.

The ceremony, held with the consent of the parents and in front of dozens of guests, was shared on social media. This caused a wave of outrage and criticism for perpetuating illegal practices and violating the rights of minors.

A party that normalizes abuse

During the event, the minors, dressed in a suit and white dress, danced a waltz while the attendees applauded and celebrated. The ceremony was described by the local authority as a symbolic act, since there was no presence of Civil Registry officials.

However, activists and human rights defenders point out that these types of events normalize child abuse and exploitation under the pretext of customs and traditions.

A structural and cultural problem

Activist Hermelinda Tiburcio Cayetano, originally from Tlacoachistlahuaca, denounced that marriages between children and their sale have been normalized in the indigenous communities of the region. According to her, she has heard of cases where people from Guerrero residing in the United States buy girls by paying half a million pesos.

These practices persist despite the fact that in 2022 the local Congress reformed the Civil Code to prohibit child marriages.

Government inaction

Despite legal reforms and government campaigns to eradicate violence against girls, boys, and adolescents, these practices continue to occur in various communities in Guerrero. The absence of concrete actions by the authorities allows these violations of children's rights to persist.

The celebration of child weddings in Guerrero evidences a serious violation of children's rights and an alarming lack of action by the authorities. It is imperative that effective measures are implemented to eradicate these practices and protect children from situations that compromise their well-being.