Keep kids out of rallies — CHR

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) warned militant and opposition groups yesterday against using children in their street protests, saying such ploys would constitute a violation of the Child Abuse Law.

CHR public affairs director Ed Diansuy told The STAR that they have started deploying teams to monitor rallies and to document the actions of organizations that continue to involve children and minors in their activities.

Street rallies, he said, are environments that could expose children to violence and other dangers.

The CHR issued the warning after a violent confrontation erupted between anti-riot policemen and protesters in front of the Batasan Pambansa complex at the height of the impeachment proceedings against President Arroyo.

Among those who were hurt in the scuffle were minors, some of whom were acting as "frontliners" in the demonstrations.

"We want to remind parents and leaders of the militant groups that they will be held criminally liable if they continue to use children in their street rallies," Diansuy.

Initial reports reaching the CHR indicated that children aged 13 and below are among the regular participants in mass actions calling for the ouster of the President.

The CHR director said they will call the attention of leaders of militant groups and rally organizers to discourage participants from bringing their children to demonstrations.