Moroccan child rights group warns against involving children in election campaigns

Moroccan child rights group Matqich Weldi (Touche pas à mon Enfant) has warned against involving children in election campaigns and using their images or presence for electoral purposes. In a statement posted on Facebook, the group said it had observed children taking part in some election-related activities, gatherings, and campaigns, raising concerns that their presence and images could be used for political publicity. Matqich Weldi called on political parties, candidates, and electoral actors to adopt practices that respect children’s rights and keep them away from electoral competition. It said that children shouldn’t be used to influence voters, attract sympathy, or promote candidates or electoral lists. The group also called on families, civil society groups, and child protection bodies to remain vigilant and take action against any form of exploitation of children in the electoral context. It emphasized that children’s protection, dignity, and best interests should come before any political or electoral considerations. It also called for respect for legal and human rights provisions protecting children, saying that doing so is not only a legal responsibility but also a shared moral and social one. The statement came amid reports circulated on

social media

claiming that children were taking part in election campaign activities, including raising campaign slogans, distributing candidates’ leaflets and posters, and wearing shirts or caps bearing party logos. Some netizens

called

the practice an ethical failure, saying children belong in school and shouldn’t be dragged into partisan politics and electoral competition.

The post Moroccan child rights group warns against involving children in election campaigns appeared first on HESPRESS English - Morocco News.