FIDA-Kenya condemns humiliation of minors in public spaces and online

The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya has denounced what it describes as the increasing public humiliation and exposure of minors both in Parliament and on digital platforms.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Nairobi, the organisation warned that such actions violate constitutional protections and endanger the dignity and emotional well-being of children.

FIDA-Kenya expressed concern over recent remarks made in relation to a school-going child participating in a voluntary service programme at Parliament, as well as the circulation of online content involving underage girls on social media platforms.

The rights group said the trend reflects a worrying normalisation of behaviour that undermines the dignity of children, particularly girls, in public life.

“FIDA-Kenya strongly condemns the growing acceptance of language and behaviour that humiliates or belittles girls in public," the organisation said.

"These remarks not only harm the dignity and emotional well-being of the child involved, but also send a harmful message to young girls across the country."

According to FIDA-Kenya, such conduct risks discouraging young girls from participating in leadership spaces, civic engagement and educational opportunities.

It said the behaviour signals that public institutions may not be safe or respectful environments.

FIDA-Kenya further noted that Parliament and other public institutions carry a constitutional responsibility to uphold dignity, integrity and respect for all persons, especially children.

It said leadership spaces should provide safe environments where children can learn, interact and participate without fear of ridicule or exploitation.

“The comments made in Parliament were inappropriate, demeaning, and did not meet the constitutional duty of leaders to uphold dignity, integrity, respect, and protect children,” the statement added.

Beyond parliamentary conduct, the organisation also raised concern over what it termed the rising exposure of minors on social media and digital platforms.

It cited videos and commentary that identify or depict children in ways that violate their privacy and emotional safety.

FIDA-Kenya warned that even where such content is shared in the name of public debate or accountability, it often disregards child protection principles and safeguarding standards.

“Children should never be used for sensationalism, ridicule, or public entertainment,” the organisation said.

The lobby group called on public officials, political leaders, media practitioners and digital content creators to strictly adhere to child safeguarding laws and ethical standards when engaging in public discourse involving minors.

It urged the immediate cessation of sharing content that identifies or exposes children, whether directly or indirectly, and called for stronger enforcement of existing legal protections.

FIDA-Kenya also recommended enhanced training for public officers and leaders on child protection, gender sensitivity, ethical leadership and prevention of harassment in public spaces.

In addition, it appealed to media houses, bloggers and social media platforms to adopt trauma-informed and ethical reporting standards when covering issues involving minors.

It stressed that the dignity and safety of children must remain a non-negotiable priority in both physical and digital spaces.

“The dignity and safety of children must always come first and cannot be compromised,” the statement concluded.