NHRC: Raises Alarms Over Child Involvement in Political Campaigns, Urges Action Against AAP Practices...

NHRC: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed significant concerns regarding the troubling trend of using children in political campaigns, particularly highlighting the actions of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This issue has come to the forefront following the emergence of a video that allegedly depicts children actively engaging in various campaign activities for the party.

NHRC Raises Alarms Over Child Involvement in Political Campaigns

The video has sparked widespread debate and raised ethical questions about the involvement of minors in political processes, which are typically reserved for adults. In response to these developments, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo has formally requested that the Chief Election Commissioner take immediate action to address this situation. Furthermore, he has urged the social media platform X to take down the controversial video and to implement more stringent regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future, thereby safeguarding the welfare of children in political contexts.

This practice not only raises ethical concerns but also contravenes multiple legal provisions designed to protect children. Specifically, it violates Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which is intended to ensure the safety and well-being of minors. Additionally, the Election Commission of India has established clear guidelines that explicitly prohibit political parties from involving children in any election-related activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, participation in rallies, shouting slogans, or distributing campaign materials.

The NHRC has underscored the critical importance of upholding children's rights and has called for a robust framework to protect them from exploitation in any form, particularly in contexts where they may be used as tools for political gain. The commission's stance reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that children's interests are prioritized and that they are shielded from being drawn into the often contentious and polarized arena of political campaigning.