The exposure of children in election campaigns is an inappropriate model that should be stopped, said the Acting Ombudsperson, Naim Qelaj.
He stressed that children should be involved in decision-making processes when their interests are at stake, but should not be used as instruments for electoral purposes.
“I believe that every political party and every institutional and political leader should be careful about the exposure of children in campaigns and public gatherings. Of course, there are strict rules governing such actions. We will analyze this as a case and come out with an official position, but from what we have seen, it is an inappropriate model of exposing children in political rallies. What is important is that children are involved in political decision-making when their interests are at stake, but not used as political instruments for electoral purposes. I believe such practices should stop, regardless of whether they constitute a violation of rules and standards. As parents and citizens, we must ensure that no child feels misused in such situations,” he said.Meanwhile, the Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection (KOMF), on International Children’s Day, chose not to comment further on the involvement of children in political activities, referring only to its previous statement issued the day before.
“This reaction came from field reports and media coverage showing the involvement of children in political party activities during the election campaign. As KOMF, we will not comment further on yesterday’s reaction. The statement is public; today we have launched the campaign ‘Justice That Sees the Child,’ and today and in the coming days we will dedicate ourselves to this campaign,” she said. The Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection in Kosovo has called on the Central Election Commission to take measures, saying that field reports indicate children are being used by political parties in election campaigns.KOMF has also called on political parties to respect children’s rights and avoid their involvement in campaign activities.
Meanwhile, at last night’s rally of the Vetëvendosje Movement held in Vushtrri, the party leader Albin Kurti invited a girl onto the stage, where she recited a poem, an act that later triggered strong reactions.
