Save the Children, CFN and SLAJ Condemn Abuse of Children in Political Campaigns: Urge Immediate Action
By: Christian Conteh
Save the Children, Children's Forum Network (CFN) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) have expressed deep concern over reports of children being exploited and abused in Sierra Leone's political landscape during the 2023 General Election Campaigns.
The organisations have condemned such actions and called on all political parties and candidates to immediately cease the use of children in political campaigns or conveying political messages. The call was made during a press conference held on Thursday, June 15th, 2023, at the Save the Children Office in Aberdeen, Freetown.
Sierra Leone, as a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, has an obligation to protect and ensure the well-being of its children. According to Article 3 of the Convention, the best interest of the child should be a primary consideration in all actions concerning them. Furthermore, Article 32 emphasises the right of children to be safeguarded from economic exploitation and work that may interfere with their education, harm their health, or hinder their development.
In a press release, the organisations stated,
"The exploitation of children for political purposes not only violates their fundamental rights but also jeopardises their well-being and future prospects. Children should never be used as pawns or instruments in political campaigns or activities. Such actions undermine their rights, and expose them to potential harm, manipulation, and psychological distress."
The recent disruption to children's education has caused significant disappointment. The organisations have been made aware that a majority of the over 220,000 pupils taking the West African Senior Secondary Education Examination (WASSCE), as well as primary and secondary school children, were either too scared to attend their exams or did not go to school on Monday, June 12th, and Tuesday, June 13th, 2023. This disruption not only hampers their academic progress but also compromises their safety and mental well-being.
Eglantyne Jebb, the founder of Save the Children, initiated this movement to advocate for and protect children who suffer the consequences of political instability. In situations where children are exploited for political gains, it is imperative to remind everyone of the urgent need to protect and prioritise the well-being of children.
The joint statement from Save the Children, CFN and SLAJ reads,
"Save the Children, the Children's Forum Network and Sierra Leone Association of Journalists call upon all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to uphold the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child."
They urge immediate action, including ceasing the use of children in political campaigns, protests, events, or activities. The organisations emphasise the importance of protecting children from any form of exploitation, manipulation, or harm during the electoral process.
Ramatu Jalloh Director, Advocacy and Communication Section Save the Children; Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and Mahmoud Barrie President, Children’s Forum Network represented their various organisations at the event.
The organisations are working together to create an environment where children are safe, nurtured, and free from political exploitation. Save the Children, CFN and SLAJ expressed their commitment to upholding and protecting the rights of every child whilst calling 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.