RCFHR warns candidates on the use of children during the election campaign

As the legislative elections are scheduled to start from Monday, 26, August, the Rwanda Commission For Human Rights calls upon all candidate to not use the under 18 children to spread their political lines.

The experience has shown that during this period, a number of politicians provide tools to children to spread the political lines among voters.

Rwandan Commission For Human Rights stresses its concerns about the use of children in the electoral activities because it a violation of children rights. It is forbidden to exploit children for one interests of any kind.

However at the other hand, the NEC affirms that children have the right to understand the rationale behind the elections, get civic education about the elections and if they wish to attend at the places where elections are taking.

“Children have the right to have insights on elections and civic education as prospective voters in the future “ says Prof Mbanda adding that candidates should not violate the children’s  rights by giving work to do  throughout the campaign period before they get old enough.

The Law stipulates that the age of maturity is 18 years old. From this age ,one  is allowed to elect and be elected  according to the law.

UM– USEKE.RW