The children should not be treated as instruments for image campaigns. If a politician cares about the welfare of children and wants to prove that he has a child-friendly agenda, this should start from respecting their rights, stated ombudswoman for children’s rights Maia Bănărescu, who reiterated the recommendation to meet the international standards on the involvement of children in public events and the use of images with children, IPN reports.

In a press release, Maia Bănărescu said a child is not a piece of decor, but a citizen with rights. The exploitation of children or their use to gain a political advantage violates their rights. The children’s right to be listened to in problems that concern them is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to which the Republic of Moldova is a party and which our state pledged to implement.

The ombudswoman warns the parents and the legal representatives of children that the minors should be offered the possibility of deciding in a responsible and free way if they want to take part in a public activity or not. The responsible adults should support and encourage interest in public activities and should not exploit the children for different purposes.

Ex-minister of health Ala Nemerenco published an image of the President near a child in a wheelchair, noting that no one has the right to use the children in political activities. She wondered where the NGOs working to protect the children’s rights and human rights, the ombudspersons and MPs who should protect the children from participation in political and electoral events are.

”No one has the right to use children in political activities. In normal countries, this would end badly for the President’s career and for the parents. Why do we keep silent?” asked Ala Nemerenco.