Child marriage is illegal in India. It is seldom prosecuted. According to UNICEF, as of 2013, India accounted for one-third of all child brides world-wide.

Duli Hembrom is a 13 year old Indian girl, whose family set her wedding for the end of April (legal age for marriage of women in India is 18). She refused! In a letter she pleaded with her school to stop the wedding. Media covered the story, but...

Her father said the wedding would go on, indicating it might be harder to find a "suitable" husband for a "grown girl". What is suitable about a man who would take a 13 year old and, more odiously, do so against her expressed will?!

This seems to be more expected of organizations such as Boko Haram, but it is India's shame. This kind of child rape is a disgrace to India.

WHAT HAPPENED TO Duli Hembrom? WHERE IS SHE? A plea for help was not only made, but made IN WRITING! Interviews were given, government was on notice that a crime was about to be committed.

Is Duli fated to die young in childbirth, her underdeveloped body unable to sustain pregnancies, or to spend her youth trapped with a man she does not want? We say NO!

If this marriage took place, not only must she be freed from this man, but she must be protected.

NO EXCUSES. Free Duli and all children like her.