By Francis Chipalo
The Media Network on Child Rights and Development – MNCRD has expressed concern over the increasing number of children being featured in pictures and videos at political party campaigns ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Elections.
Executive Director Henry Kabwe said the practice violates children’s rights to privacy and protection under the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2019 and other international treaties.
“According to the Children’s Code Act and other related local, regional and global treaty commitments, children identities can only be exposed with the signed consent of parents or legal guardians,”Kabwe stated.
Kabwe said capturing children at political events not only violates their privacy but also exposes them to danger as political tensions rise.
“Capturing children during campaigns violates their rights to privacy and may expose them to danger as unreasonable political players may react negatively to their perceived political affiliations,” he said.
He added that while campaigns have been largely peaceful, taking children to political events remains risky.
“In the past, we have witnessed the deaths of people, including children and youths, during campaigns. It is unfortunate that one teenager was shot at yesterday during campaigns,”he noted.
Meanwhile, Kabwe has called on political parties to desist from using children as campaign props and to advise their media teams and supporters to uphold the law.
The network also urged parents and guardians to keep children away from political gatherings, and called on the Zambia Police Service to ensure the safety of young people during the election period.
“As a country, we should show our children that democracy is a cherished value that is premised on respectful engagements other than manipulation and tokenism through showcasing of children and exacerbation of violence,”Kabwe said.
The Media Network on Child Rights and Development advocates for the promotion and protection of children’s rights in media coverage and public space.
