12. CONCLUSION The compelling of children and teachers (and to contribute financially for teachers) to attend political rallies is a violation of their right to freedom of association and assembly in terms of the Constitution. The Commission received documents which showed that the teachers were compelled to donate towards interface rallies. However, there were no documents to prove that teachers and school children were compelled to attend political rallies and to dress in party regalia against their wishes. Attendance to political party rallies should only be by choice and in respect of children in their best interests as everyone has a right to freedom of association and assembly. It was also noted that there was abuse of school property and other public property as the ruling party tried to secure attendance at their political rallies. There was use of vehicles from schools and other public institutions which is undesirable. 11. RECOMMENDATIONS In light of the above, the ZHRC makes the following recommendations: TO THE POLITICAL PARTIES IN ZIMBABWE 11.1 Political parties are encouraged to promote peace and unity through their speeches. 11.2 Political parties must adopt a Code of Conduct that includes provisions for the prevention of the misuse and manipulation of children in political activities which encompasses responsibilities to ensure that children who attend political rallies do so freely and are safe and well protected. 11.3 The Code of Conduct must commit political parties and other political actors to keep schools free of political meetings or other activities and to not ask, encourage or force children in schools to participate in any political gathering or demonstration. It should also aim to prevent children from being exploited and manipulated, and to protect them from violence and arrest. 11.4 Political parties should desist from abusing school property such s buses and furniture in pursuit of private political interests which have nothing to do with the schools (students, teachers, and parents). Page 13 of 17