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Children of Zimbabwe and post election violence
Justice for Children Trust
May 12, 2008

As an organization assisting children in the provision of free legal services, we have observed with alarm and concern the media reported cases of children caught in crossfire of post election violence in different parts of the country. Children have not been spared the adverse consequences of the violence and it is apparent that they are at the receiving end.

We Reiterate that "Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms, irrespective of the child`s or his/her parents' or legal guardians' race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status". - The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (Article 3).

Bearing in Mind that any form of violence against children is detrimental to their growth and development, and further bearing in mind that children do not vote or participate in the political process and there is no reason whatsoever that they should be sucked into the politically motivated activities, especially of a violent nature.

Violence against children is even more sadistic in that children are defenseless and are not able to protect themselves and they look up to their parents and elders for safety, however most of the affected children`s parents are themselves victims of political violence and torture and they have been displaced and distanced from their children. We have been inundated with reports of children who have been assaulted, tortured, left homeless, displaced and some of them are reported missing.

We express our firmly held belief that children are the future leaders of the country and are a precious blessing and should be treated as such

We condemn all acts of violence perpetrated against children because of their parents or legal guardians' political opinion ranging from physical battering, arson and displacement from their homes

We call upon all political parties to urge their supporters to desist from violence and demand that immediate action be taken by the police in arresting all perpetrators of violence in light of the fact that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure to a maximum extent the survival, protection and development of any child.

We therefore resolve to continue to provide legal assistance to children whose rights would have been violated through post election violence. We urge all Zimbabweans to stop post election violence.

Children's rights are human rights, lets respect them.

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