United Nations has welcomed a recent High Court decision to protect children from being forced to attend political gatherings, saying interests of juveniles must be considered at all times.
In a statement released yesterday, UN said the ruling is in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child which stresses the importance on the interests of children at all times.
“The UN welcomes the High Court decision to protect children from being forced to attend political rallies.
“This is in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, that the best interests of the child must be the paramount consideration in every situation, and at all times. The UN emphasizes schools must be havens of safety and children must continue to have uninterrupted access to basic social services,” noted UN.
Masvingo High Court judge, Justice Martin Mafusire on 28 June 2018 ruled against forcing school children to attend political rallies. The ruling also barred political parties from using school equipment, including vehicles for political interests.
The ruling came as a blow to Zanu PF, often accused of abusing school children and equipment including buses to ferry supporters to rallies and party conferences.
