CNIDH urges politicians to ban use of children in political campaign

A video showing children chanting political slogans has been circulating on social media for the past few days. The National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH) urges politicians to ban children’s participation in political activities.

Jacques Nshimirimana “The majority of children do not know the meaning of these songs and some of them can be the victims,”

“The involvement of children in politics has negative consequences for society and children’s lives,” says Jacques Nshimirimana, a commissioner responsible for promoting children’s rights at CNIDH. He indicates that children are not fully mature to play politics. “The majority of children do not know the meaning of these songs and some of them can be the victims,” Nshimirimana says mentioning that politicians can hurt these children whom they may consider as their rivals.

Nshimirimana recognizes an evolution compared to the previous elections when children were frequently used in political activities. “Children increase numbers of supporters and morale. We appreciate the efforts made by politicians during the ongoing electoral campaign, “says the CNIDH commissioner.

He says no case of children’s involvement in political activities was reported in the first 12 days of the campaign. “These cases have been reported since the 13th day of the electoral campaign,” says Nshimirimana. He calls on leaders of political parties to ban the use of children in politics. Pierre Claver Kazihise, chairman of the national electoral commission announced that the electoral code prohibits children’s involvement in political activities.