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Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty
Henry M. Robert

"Children, accept no toys from strange politicians," leaders of youth organizations now caution

10 February, 1998 - 00:00

On January 27, the Association of Children's and Youth Organizations of Kyiv adopted a "Message to Political Parties, Blocs, and Public Organizations," urging them to leave the younger generation alone in their power plays. Until recently, ACYO, with a membership of 3,000 minors and 28 various organizations, enjoyed little if any attention on the part of the rich and the famous, let alone sponsors. With the election campaign gaining momentum the situation changed dramatically. Oleksandr Miroshnykov, ACYO Executive Secretary, informed The Day that almost 30 political parties had approached the Association to get involved in the political struggle during the past several months.

Methods of using children in political games vary, from pasting posters and leaflets to appearing at rallies and picket lines together with adults. And the reward varies, too, from candies and chewing gums to donations worth 20 annual budgets of a district young technicians club. In fact, this much was offered the organizers of the gift-handing parade "Santa Clauses on Khreshchatyk." All they had to do in return was affix the emblem of a certain political party to the gift bags.

"I consider this outrageously immoral," says Olena Fedotova, Children's Rights Commissioner. "Many children live in poor families and will do anything to help their parents. They're buying these children, aren't they? Then these children will grow up and realize that they had been used."

There is an open struggle to influence children's organizations. Who will protect these children from adult encroachments? There is no law in Ukraine protecting children's organizations during campaigns. The only applicable document is the International Convention on the Rights of Children. Referring to an international document and being offered good money when living in poverty are very different stories.

Archival photo by Valery Myloserdov, The Day

 

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