NHRC, Unicef urge not to use children in poll campaigns

KATHMANDU/ As the country braces for the Constituent Assembly elections, the National Human Rights Commission  ( NHRC ) and Unicef Nepal have expressed concerns over potential misuse, manipulation and engagement of children by political parties in pre- and post- election campaign s.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, the constitutional human rights body and the inter-governmental organisation mandated to promote and protect children's rights have reiterated and reminded all actors, particularly political parties and state structures in charge of elections, about general principles relating to child protection and children's involvement in political activities, as stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.

The convention, to which Nepal is a signatory, as well as the Election Code of Conduct specifically prohibits use of children in any procession, rally, mass meeting, election campaign or any election related activities.

"We would like to remind all stakeholders about their obligations not to use schools and school premises for any political purpose, to ensure that children are not misused for political purposes by any party, as well as to ensure that schools remain as zones of peace as jointly declared by the political parties," read the statement.

The NHRC and Unicef have urged all parties to respect the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989, and other international norms and national standards including the Election Code of Conduct. They have also called on the parties to take all necessary measures to avoid exposing boys and girls under the age of 18 to political activities, including ongoing and planned bandas.
by : ekantipur

Labels: English News, प्रमुख समाचार, बाल सरोकार, रिपोर्ट