Tanzanian Civil Society Warns of Child Vulnerability During Upcoming General Election
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – With the October 29 General Election approaching, advocacy groups are raising urgent concerns about the potential risks facing children during the political process. A coalition of civil society organizations is calling for comprehensive measures to protect the nation’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
The National Safe School Coalition, representing a network of organizations, emphasized that children must not become silent victims of political tensions. The groups stress that children’s safety, dignity, and well-being must remain a non-negotiable priority before, during, and after the electoral process.
Historical context reveals a troubling pattern of violence during past election cycles, particularly affecting children with albinism. Between 2006 and 2015, at least 76 children with albinism were killed, with dozens more surviving brutal attacks linked to harmful superstitious beliefs.
Key risks during the election period include:
– Children being left unattended as parents engage in political activities
– Potential exploitation of minors in political gatherings
– Psychological trauma from witnessing political unrest
– Increased vulnerability during large campaign rallies
The coalition is calling for comprehensive action from all societal sectors:
– Civil society to integrate child rights into voter education
– Media to responsibly report without inciting violence
– Political parties to keep children away from campaign activities
– Parents and communities to remain vigilant at polling stations
– Government to enforce child protection laws
“We cannot afford to repeat history. Every child lost to violence is a national failure,” said a lead advocacy coordinator. The groups emphasize that elections should prioritize child safeguarding measures to protect the future of Tanzania’s democracy.
The call serves as a critical reminder of the need to protect children’s rights and safety during politically charged times, ensuring that the upcoming election does not compromise the well-being of the country’s most vulnerable population.
