By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
Save the Children, in collaboration with the Children’s Forum Network, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, and the Child Rights Coalition Sierra Leone, have in a press statement on Thursday 15th June 2023, expressed deep concern over reports of children being exploited, abused and involved in political activities in the ongoing 2023 General Election Campaigns in the country thus urging all political parties and candidates to immediately cease using children in political campaigns or for conveying political messages.
Reading the press statement, Ramatu Jalloh, Director, Advocacy and Communication Section at Save the Children said that the exploitation of children for political purposes do not only violates their fundamental rights but also jeopardizes their well-being and future prospects adding that children should never be used as pawns or instruments in political campaigns or activities.
‘’We strongly condemn such actions and urge all political parties and candidates to immediately cease using children in political campaigns or for conveying political messages. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Sierra Leone is a signatory, provides a clear framework for the protection and well-being of children. Article 3 of the Convention emphasizes that the best interest of the child shall be a primary consideration in all actions concerning them. Furthermore, Article 32 highlights the right of children to be protected from economic exploitation and any work that may interfere with their education, harm their health, or hinder their development,’’ she said.
Ramatu Jalloh added that such actions undermine their rights, exposes them to potential harm, manipulation, and psychological distress.
‘’In addition, we are deeply disappointed by recent developments that disrupted children’s education. It has come to our attention that majority of over 220,000 pupils taking the West African Senior Secondary Education Examination (WASSCE), Primary and Secondary School children were either too scared to attend their exams or did not go to school Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th June 2023. This disruption to their education not only impacts their academic progress but also compromises their safety and mental well-being,’’ Madam Jalloh further added.
‘’ We urge them to: Immediately cease the use of children in political campaigns, protests, events, or activities. Ensure the protection of children from any form of exploitation, manipulation, or harm during the electoral process. Raise awareness within respective party structures and among supporters about the importance of safeguarding children’s rights. Encourage the reporting of instances of child exploitation to the appropriate authorities,’’
The Advocacy and Communication boss thus appealed to the media, civil society organizations, and citizens to remain vigilant and report any instances of child exploitation or involvement in political activities to the nearest police station adding together, society can create an environment where children are safe, nurtured, and free from political exploitation.
‘’Save the Children, Children’s Forum Network, and Sierra Leone Association of Journalists remain committed to working towards a society that upholds and protects the rights of every child. We call on all stakeholders to join hands in ensuring that children are shielded from harm and that their rights are respected, both during and beyond the electoral process,’’ the advocacy and communication boss assured.
On his part, Mahmoud Barrie, President Children’s Forum Network thanked Save the Children, the Child Rights Coalition and SLAJ for joining this important call with them regarding to the protection of children in elections activities citing they as a network believed that children are very critical in the political landscape but pointed out even though the UN makes provision for their participation; however there are limitations which he said even the country’s constitution out rightly condemn the participation of children in elections process be it on campaigns or even politicians using them as gestures to campaign.
‘’ And these instances have popped on social media. we have seen viral videos via social media and in different platforms and we believe this is not just a coincidence, it is a calculated attempt to ensure that the children of this country, get their potential. We strongly condemn this as a forum and that’s why we are very happy to collaborate with Save the Children, SLAJ and other partners to endorse this press statement on behalf of the children of this country. I thank you all very much,’’ Barrie said.
President of the Sierra Leone of Journalists (SLAJ) Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said that they as an association were happy to collaborate with Save the children, children Forum Network and the Child Rights Coalition in the cause of the protection of the rights of children during elections stating that they are an advocacy of free media and free speech but that they also support good causes and thus the protection of children is one of them.
‘’SLAJ is very pleased to be here supporting the call for the protection of children during elections. As you know SLAJ is an advocacy group for free media and freedom of expression. But also beyond that, we also support good cause and this is one of them. we all need to come together to ensure the safety and security of children. So, SLAJ endorses this press release,’’ Nasralla said, thus urging the media to report violations of children fairly and impartially and to discuss children’s issues in their programmes.
