“Harmful practices” means all behaviour, attitudes and/or practices which negatively affect the fundamental rights of women and girls, such as their right to life, health, dignity, education and physical integrity.11 II. UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION [7] The Committee applies four general principles as the lens through which interpretation of all African Children’s Charter provisions and all issues relating to the protection of the rights and welfare of the child are addressed. These are: the best interest of the child, the child’s right to freedom from discrimination, the right to survival, development and protection, and children’s right to participate in matters that affect them. The Commission supports the application of these four principles in formulating the guidance in this Joint General Comment. In addition, this Joint General Comment is informed by the principles of equality and non-discrimination that underpin the overall objective and purpose of the Maputo Protocol, as expressed in the preamble and in Article 2. A. Best interests of the child [8] The African Children’s Charter provides in Article 4(1) that the best interests of the child shall be the primary consideration in all actions undertaken by any person or authority concerning the child. Child marriage gives rise to negative physical, psychological, economical and social consequences and curtails the enjoyment of children’s human rights and fundamental freedoms. Child marriage 11 Article 1(g) of the Maputo Protocol. 5