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The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has raised concern over the increasing presence of minors and children at political campaign events including instances where children were positioned on campaign stages alongside political leaders.
CCMG Program Director, Peter Mwanangombe, reminded political parties, candidates, parents, guardians and campaign organisers that the rights and welfare of children were protected under the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Mwanangombe cited Section 3 of the Act which stated that “a child’s best interest was the primary consideration in a matter or action concerning the child, whether undertaken by a public or private body.”
“This means that every decision involving children, including their participation in public political events, must first consider whether such involvement serves the child’s best interests,” he said.
Mwanangombe further cited Section 5, which guarantees every child “the inherent right to life, dignity and respect,” and Section 17, which provides that a child is entitled to protection from maltreatment and any other form of exploitation.
“Although political participation is a constitutional right for eligible citizens, children should never be placed in situations where they may be exposed to intimidation, political manipulation, public hostility, violence, or other risks associated with highly charged political activities,” he said.
Mwanangombe also highlighted Section 38 of the Children’s Code Act, which placed a legal duty on parents and persons with parental responsibility to protect children from neglect, violence and abuse and to safeguard their welfare and development.
He noted thst political campaign events could at times become emotionally charged or violent.
“Subjecting children to such environments, particularly by placing them on campaign platforms or using them as part of political messaging, may compromise their safety, dignity and welfare and may not be consistent with the ‘best interests of the child’ principle established under the law,” he said.
Mwanangombe called on all political parties and candidates to refrain from using children as participants, symbols or visual props during campaign activities.
He urged parents and guardians to avoid exposing children to campaign environments that may place them at risk or compromise their wellbeing.
Mwanangombe also appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the Zambia Police Service, child protection authorities and other relevant stakeholders to promote compliance with the Children’s Code Act and ensure that children’s rights were respected throughout the electoral period.
“Children should be allowed to enjoy their childhood free from political exploitation and their rights, dignity, safety and development must remain paramount throughout the electoral process,” he said.
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