The Moroccan child rights organization Matqich Weldi (Touche pas à mon Enfant) has issued a strong warning regarding the involvement of children in election campaigns, emphasizing the inappropriate use of their images or presence for political gain. In a recent statement shared on their Facebook page, the group highlighted alarming observations of children participating in various election-related activities, including gatherings and campaigns, which raised significant concerns about the potential exploitation of these young individuals for political publicity.
Matqich Weldi firmly urged political parties, candidates, and all electoral stakeholders to implement practices that uphold children's rights and ensure their exclusion from electoral competition. The organization expressed that children should never be utilized as tools to influence voters, garner sympathy, or endorse political candidates or electoral lists. This call to action extends beyond the political sphere, as the organization implored families, civil society organizations, and child protection agencies to stay vigilant and proactively address any instances of child exploitation within the electoral framework.
Emphasizing the paramount importance of children's protection, dignity, and best interests, Matqich Weldi asserted that these considerations must take precedence over any political ambitions or electoral strategies. The organization reiterated the need for strict adherence to legal and human rights provisions designed to safeguard children, asserting that compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a shared moral and social responsibility among all members of society.
This statement comes in the wake of unsettling reports circulating on social media, which depict children engaging in election campaign activities, such as chanting campaign slogans, distributing flyers and posters for candidates, and donning apparel featuring party logos. Many social media users have condemned these practices as an ethical failure, reinforcing the belief that children belong in educational environments rather than being entangled in partisan politics and electoral strife.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
