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Save the Children Sierra Leone , in collaboration with the Children’s Forum Network and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists has on Thursday 15 June 2023 expressed deep concerns over the exploitation of children for political purposes during the 2023 multitier election Campaigns in Sierra Leone.
Key representatives of the three organizations were; Ramatu Jalloh, Director, Advocacy and Communication Section, Save the Children , Ahmed Sahid Nasrallah, SLAJ President, Mahmoud Barrie, President of the Children Forum Network
During the said media engagement, Save the Children strongly denounced these actions and urgently called upon all political parties and candidates to immediately cease using children for political campaigns or conveying political messages.
In a joint press release, Ramatu Jalloh emphasized that Sierra Leone, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, has an obligation to uphold the protection and well-being of children. Article 3 of the Convention states that the best interests of the child should be the primary consideration in all actions concerning them. Additionally, Article 32 highlights the right of children to be protected from economic exploitation and any work that may disrupt their education, harm their health, or impede their development.
An excerpt from the Joint Press release states that, “the exploitation of children for political gain not only violates their fundamental rights but also jeopardizes their well-being and future prospects. Children should never be used as pawns or instruments in political campaigns or activities. Such practices undermine their rights and expose them to potential harm, manipulation, and psychological distress.
We are deeply disappointed by recent developments that disrupted children’s education. it has come to light that the majority of the over 220,000 pupils taking the West African Senior Secondary Education Examination (WASSCE), including primary and secondary school children, were either too scared to attend their exams or abstained from 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.
The founder of Save the Children, Eglantyne Jebb, initiated this movement to advocate for and protect children who suffer the consequences of political instability. In situations where children are exploited for political gain, it becomes imperative to remind everyone of the urgent need to safeguard and prioritize the well-being of children.”
Save the Children, the Children’s Forum Network, and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists jointly 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 the immediate cessation of using children in political campaigns, protests, events, or activities and stress the importance of protecting children from any form of exploitation, manipulation, or harm during the electoral process .
They further appeal to various party structures and supporters to raise awareness about the significance of safeguarding children’s rights. Encouraging the reporting of instances of child exploitation to the appropriate authorities should be prioritized.
The media, civil society organizations, and citizens are also urged to remain vigilant and report any cases of child exploitation or involvement in political activities to the nearest police station. Together, a safe and nurturing environment can be created where children are free from political exploitation.
Save the Children, the Children’s Forum Network, and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists reiterate their unwavering commitment to work towards a society that upholds and protects the rights of every child. They call upon 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.
