UNICEF condemns the killing of children in an attack near a primary school in Anbar
2012-09-25
BAGHDAD/ HONG KONG, 25 September 2012 – UNICEF condemns the attack that took place yesterday near Al-Khifah primary school in Heet, western Iraq. The attack reportedly killed a number of children on their way to school and injured many more.
“UNICEF condemns this attack in the strongest terms” said Mr Marzio Babille, UNICEF’s Representative in Iraq. “The killing of children is unacceptable. Attacks on schools which are meant to provide a safe learning environment is a grave violation of children’s rights.”
The attack took place as children were going into school on the second day of the academic year for over nine million students in Iraq.
“Once again innocent children pay the price for a despicable act of violence” added Mr Babille, “and we are particularly distressed that the attack on a school happens at a time of year when children all over Iraq are starting the academic year.”
Mr Babille expressed his deepest condolences to the victim’s families and called on the Government of Iraq to take the necessary measures to ensure that safe access to schools is guaranteed to all children.