The statement was made at the launch of the book: “Let the smallest speak from the tallest peak,” a people’s guide to children’s rights in Harare last week.
“We have very long way to go in terms of children’s rights, children suffer the most and because there are silenced they carry the biggest weight in Africa,” said Stewart.
In Zimbabwe one out of four children is orphaned and many of the children often suffer from abuse, while young girls are exposed to rape. Stewart said that in order to observe the rights of children politicians should lead by example.
“It is important as we move towards elections that we drive home to politicians from all political parties that if what you say is not good for children it is not good for anybody. I would love politicians to be judged on what they do to make the lives of children better,” said Stewart.
However, Stewart said that it not all gloom as the country has accorded children in the country a chance to participate in the constitution writing process.
“It is encouraging that unlike anywhere in Africa, children in Zimbabwe have contributed to the writing of the constitution and their views have been heard,” she said.
COPAC spokesperson Jessie Majome said that while the law excluded children from taking part in polls because of their age, adults must take into account the needs of children.
“As COPAC we have a duty to ensure that children’s views are included in the constitution. As a group children are very special, but they cannot participate actively in the referendum they will just sit outside and hope that adults make good decisions for them,” said Majome.
COPAC with assistance from UNICEF devised a plan that saw 160 children coming together to contribute towards the constitution.
Drawn from across Zimbabwe, the children called for a new constitution which guarantees the rights and best interests of every child, especially with regard to education, religion, health and social protection.
The book is designed to raise awareness and also promote children’s rights. 685 children from various backgrounds contributed to the book.
Post published in: News