“When a woman is not educated, all the nation is in danger, because it is the woman who gives the basic education to the children.”-Arthur Omar Kayumba, 16, a member of DRC's Children's Parliament (Children's Parliament’ Sets High Bar in Congo)
Children are giving out legal advise and harsh warnings to others, including adults, in the Democratic Republic's Children's Parliament. The Children's Parliament is composed of 150 child members, all under the age of 17. These children work on their own accord and seek little advice or supervision from adults. Established in 2002 with the support of UNICEF, and inaugurated in September 2003 with 36 members, and receiving international recognition for the promotion of children's rights.
The work of the Children's Parliament is no joke, and there rulings are no laughing matter, these children work hard and their hard work and dedication to both human rights and the development of their country has quickly surpassed many of their adult counterparts. This year alone they have heard over 150 cases, and while most are brought forward by children, they are seeing an increasing number of cases from adults, mostly women. While the rulings may not be legally binding, the support given to the community is undeniable. When rulings are not followed the Children's Parliament will contact the Special Police.
Once can easily see that the Children of the DRC's Children's Parliament are not just tomorrows leaders, but the leaders of today. These children are the hope for the future of a nation ravished by over a decade of armed conflict and civil unrest, and the future looks brighter with minds like theirs at the helm.
“When I see such kinds of problems, it makes me think that in the future, I will become a man of revolution to fight against this mistreatment of children. All the world knows Congo is a big, rich country, and I would make it worthy of its name. I want to be president of the republic,” said 14 year old Eddy Musoke, the parliament's adviser on protection for children (Children's Parliament’ Sets High Bar in Congo).
The children the Congo, have faced struggle and hardship, on all sides of the the conflict The DRC is one of the poorest countries, even though it is one of richest in resources in the world. Child Alert published a report in 2006, illustrating the high price Congolese children where paying for war. And while it is more than apparent that much needs to be done to bring peace and stability to the children of the Congo, many of the Congolese children themselves are not going to sit idly by and wait for the adults to give it to them. Children inherit the sins of their fathers, so to speak, but the children of the DRC's Child Parliament, refuse to make the same mistakes as their forefathers. Their youthful wisdom and positive outlook for the future, is sure to benefit not only the children of the DRC, but children around the world.
Children's Parliaments are Azerbaijan, which was introduced earlier this summer. Other countries with Children's Parliaments include, India, Great Brittan, Jerusalem, Iran, Palestine, France, Iraq, and many others. The Children's State has a full list of Children's Parliaments and other relevant information. Children, especially children of conflict, are often wise beyond their years, and we must not turn our heads away from them. Children are the future leaders, and when allowed to grow and prosper they can teach us something about humanity, and give us hope for peace.
