In addition to information on sexuality, one of the key freedoms that youth require is the freedom to choose one’s own life partner. One’s marriage partner is often determined by structures of caste, religion and community. Customary law usually forbids relationships that are formed outside of the strict arranged marriage set up, where parents choose a partner based on caste, religion and other considerations. The option of not marrying is hardly ever an option. Moreover marriage that is heterosexual is the only form of commitment that is acceptable. It is an important right that youth be allowed to explore relationships outside the very rigid caste structures that restrict their autonomy and freedom in choosing a life partner.
When some young people decide to enter into a relationship or get married outside of the rigid structures of caste, religion, gender and sexuality, it is important that this right be established to protect the newly established chosen families. Thus, this right will have to go hand in hand with a commitment to eliminate harmful social and cultural practices like honour killing where youth are killed in order to ‘defend the honour’ of a particular community. Confining young people indoors and using threats or violence when young people choose their own partners are other forms of youth rights violations.