By Jones Gadama

The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of involving children in political campaign activities in the country.

According to MHRC Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi, the commission has observed that some political parties are exploiting children by parading them in political rallies to garner support and forcing them to perform songs and poems.

This practice, Chijozi noted, is not only unacceptable but also a violation of children’s rights.

“We are deeply concerned about the increasing tendency of involving children in political campaign activities,” Chijozi said. “Children should be protected and kept away from political activities that could potentially harm them or expose them to risks,” she added.

The MHRC’s concerns are echoed by child rights activist Memory Chisenga, who has called for engagement with political parties to sign and commit to upholding child protection policies as the country prepares for the September 16 polls.

“We need to ensure that children are protected from exploitation and abuse during political campaigns,” Chisenga said, adding that, “Political parties must be held accountable for their actions and commit to upholding child rights.”

However, political expert George Phiri attributes the involvement of children in political campaigns to high poverty levels in the country. “Poverty is a major driver of this practice,” Phiri said, adding that, “Some parents may be tempted to involve their children in political activities in exchange for material rewards or promises of future benefits.”

The issue of child exploitation in politics is a complex one, and it requires a multifaceted approach to address.

While poverty may be a contributing factor, it is essential to recognize that children have inherent rights that must be protected.

The MHRC and child rights activists are right to call for greater accountability from political parties and for measures to be put in place to prevent the exploitation of children.

As the country heads to the polls, it is crucial that political parties prioritize the protection of children’s rights.

This can be achieved through the implementation of child protection policies, awareness-raising campaigns, and education programs that promote the importance of keeping children out of politics.

The MHRC’s statement serves as a timely reminder of the need to protect children from exploitation and abuse.

The commission’s call for political parties to respect children’s rights and avoid using them for political gain is a crucial step towards ensuring that Malawi’s next generation is protected and empowered.

The involvement of children in political campaigns is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed urgently.

The MHRC and child rights activists are right to raise concerns and call for action to protect children’s rights. Political parties must prioritize the protection of children and avoid exploiting them for political gain.

By working together, we can ensure that Malawi’s children are protected and empowered to reach their full potential.

The upcoming elections present an opportunity for political parties to demonstrate their commitment to child protection and rights.

By signing and committing to uphold child protection policies, political parties can help ensure that children are kept away from political activities that could harm them.

The MHRC and child rights activists will be watching closely to see how political parties respond to these calls.

Ultimately, the protection of children’s rights is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including government, political parties, civil society, and communities.

By working together, we can create a safe and protective environment for Malawi’s children to thrive.