Children as Props for Propaganda: When the State Turns Childhood into a Tool for Television Image-Making

Children as Props for Propaganda: When the State Turns Childhood into a Tool for Television Image-Making The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” / Turkmenistan expresses deep concern over new reports of the cruel and degrading use of children in state-organized public events in Turkmenistan. According to information published by the independent media outlet Radio Azatlyk, hundreds of school-age and preschool children in Balkanabat were forcibly involved in mass state events dedicated to official celebrations. The children were transported to the hippodrome early in the morning, where they were forced to stand for hours in the cold without the ability to move, warm themselves, or even freely use the restroom—solely for the purpose of television filming and creating a “perfect image” for state media. According to eyewitness reports: children were kept outdoors from early morning until midday; many were not allowed to leave formation even to use the toilet, resulting in children being placed in diapers; many children fell ill after the event, and some required medical treatment; the costs of clothing, accessories, and medical care were shifted onto parents; participation was mandatory. Humiliation Disguised as Patriotism Particularly alarming is the reported practice of selecting children based on the “purity of family biography.” According to sources, only children from “approved” families are allowed to participate: families without criminal records among relatives; families with “acceptable” biographies over several generations; financially secure households. This approach not only violates the principle of equality among children but also fosters early social discrimination, humiliation, and division between those deemed “worthy” and “unworthy.” Violation of Children’s Rights Such actions constitute a grave violation of fundamental children’s rights, including: the right to protection from exploitation (Article 32 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child); the right to protection from degrading treatment (Article 37 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child); the right to health (Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child); the right to equality and non-discrimination (Article 2 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child). A Systemic Practice, Not an Isolated Incident Unfortunately, such incidents are not exceptional. For many years, Turkmenistan has maintained the practice of: forcibly involving children in state-organized public spectacles; using schoolchildren and students in rehearsals and official ceremonies; involving minors in agricultural campaigns; pressuring teachers, doctors, and other public-sector employees to participate in staged mass events. This demonstrates a systemic exploitation of the population for propaganda purposes, where even children are treated not as individuals with rights, but as expendable props for political image-making. Our Call The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” / Turkmenistan calls for: 1. The immediate cessation of the practice of forcibly using children in state events; 2. An independent investigation into the circumstances of these incidents; 3. Accountability for officials who endangered the health and well-being of children; 4. The abolition of discriminatory child-selection practices based on family background; 5. Full compliance by Turkmenistan with its international obligations regarding the protection of children’s rights. Source: Radio Azatlyk / Azattyk Asia “For Hours in the Cold, Motionless and in Diapers: How Children in Turkmenistan Are Used for ‘TV Pictures’” 25 April 2026 https://rus.azathabar.com/ Photo Credit: Photo sourced from Radio Azatlyk / Azattyk Asia