registry compulsory.” Read with Article 2 of the African Children’s Charter which defines a child as every human being below the age of 18 years, this prohibition precludes any exceptions to the minimum age of 18 for betrothal and marriage. The Commission and Committee further note that Article 21(2) makes no distinction as to forms of law (civil, customary or religious law).This means that the prohibition is a wide one, covering all forms of betrothal and marriage under all forms of law. • Article 1(3) of the African Children’s Charter, which requires States Parties to discourage any custom, cultural or religious practice that is inconsistent with the rights, duties and obligations contained in the African Children’s Charter to the extent of such inconsistency. • Articles 6(a) and 6(b) of the Maputo Protocol, which require that States Parties ensure that legislative measures are in place to guarantee that no marriage shall take place without the free and full consent of both parties and that the minimum age of marriage for women shall be 18 years without exception. • Article 6 of the Maputo Protocol, which requires that States Parties ensure that men and women enjoy equal rights and are regarded as equal partners in marriage.15 • Article 1(b) of the Maputo Protocol, which enjoins States Parties to combat 15 Article 6 of the Maputo Protocol. 11