Use of children in advertising industry becoming a problem - CRI

Koforidua, March 17, GNA - Child Rights International (CRI), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has expressed worry about the use of=

children in the advertising industry, considering the fact that it was illegal for children in Ghana to be gainfully employed until they reach t= he age of 15 years.

Mr Bright Appiah, Executive Director of CRI, said if it was imperativ= e that children were to work in that industry, then child labour laws must be observed so that their participation in the industry did not detract from=

their education or harm their psychological, physical or emotional well being. Mr Appiah who was speaking at the launch of this year's Easter School=

for Children in Koforidua on Wednesday, said while instilling a solid wor= k ethic and a sense of responsibility in children, it was important that th= ey had the opportunity "to be children" and that their right to play, rest a= nd leisure be respected and promoted .

"Without the freedom to enjoy this right, children are denied the opportunity to experience a crucial component of their childhood that stimulates curiosity, creativity and imagination, and teaches problem solving, cooperation and communication skills".

Mr Appiah observed that court cases involving children was another k= ey child protection area that needed to be addressed. "Too often impunity prevails and violations against children are not recognized, and punished to the full extent of the law.

"This regard for and minimizing of violations perpetrated against children is indicative of their vulnerability and second class status und= er the legal system which is deeply unsettling," He said

Mr Appiah said violence and sexual exploitation perpetrated against girls in schools was a heinous and unconscionable violation of their righ= ts and a glaring example of gender based violence.

"Women and girls share equally in humanity with men and boys and are=

equally entitled to quality education in a safe environment that is respectful of their rights, and serves to assist them to develop to their=

full potential as human beings". He said "we are failing our communities, our nation and most importantly, our girls if we turn a blind eye to this issue and leave the=

status quo unchallenged".

Mr Appiah said schools should be places where children felt safe, supported and valued, and anything less is simply unacceptable. He observed that if those dehumanizing acts against girls were allowe= d to persist, "we will leave a permanent stain on the national conscience a= nd on the hearts and minds of the young women of Ghana".

Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, in a speech read o= n his behalf said protection of children remained a major concern. He said it was society's responsibility to ensure that children's dignity and worth were protected beyond measure. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo called for priority attention to be given to child protection issues including intensified special programmes to eliminate worst forms of child labour and child trafficking, child abuse, commercia= l sex exploitation of children and conflict with the law.

The Easter School for Children is an annual event organized by CRI in=

cooperation with the United Nation's Children's Fund (UNICEF) that provid= es a dynamic forum for children to actively participate in an open discussio= n about critical issues that affect their welfare and their enjoyment of children's rights. This year's event will be held in Sunyani on the theme "Child Protect= ion is a Human Right: Bridging the Gap between Rights and Reality".