Early marriages in Azerbaijan decline five to sixfold compared to previous years

The number of early marriages in Azerbaijan has decreased five to six times compared to previous years, Deputy Head of the Family Affairs Department of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, Tamilla Aliyeva, said during an appearance on Dost TV.

According to her, the statistics are based on data from civil registry offices regarding marriage applications, as well as the number of children born to mothers under the age of 18.

Citing data from the State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan, Aliyeva noted that 2,011 children were born to underage mothers in 2022, while the figure fell to 1,742 in 2023 and further declined to 1,279 in 2024.

“In previous years, we could see figures close to 4,000. Although such cases still occur, additional measures are being taken to completely prevent them,” she said.

Aliyeva also stressed that public attitudes toward early marriages have changed significantly, with society increasingly showing a negative stance toward the practice.

“Reports concerning such cases are now being submitted to the relevant authorities. Not all responsibility should be placed on the state. The participation of every citizen in this process is extremely important,” she added.