Official: Early marriages in Azerbaijan decline five- to sixfold

The number of early marriages in Azerbaijan has decreased five to six times compared to previous years, Deputy Head of the Family Issues Department at the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, Tamilla Aliyeva, stated on the air of Dost TV, Report informs.

Aliyeva noted that the statistics are based on registry office applications for marriage and the number of children born to mothers under 18:

"According to the State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan, for example, in 2022, 2,011 children were born to mothers under 18, in 2023 the number was 1,742, and in 2024 it dropped to 1,279. In earlier years, we could see figures around 4,000. Of course, such cases still occur, but additional measures are being taken to prevent them."

The official also emphasized that society now shows a negative attitude toward early marriages, and relevant institutions receive reports when such cases arise: "It is not right to place all responsibility on the state. The participation of every citizen in this process is very important."