Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore on deaths of 11 children in Kandahar, Afghanistan
NEW YORK/KABUL, April 30, 2018 /CNW/ - "I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the attack which reportedly killed 11 children this morning while they were studying at a religious school in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province.
"The attack occurred when a car packed with explosives was driven into a military convoy as it passed by. The explosion on the road was so powerful that it seriously damaged the building on the side of the road where the children were studying.
"The 11 children who were killed were six to 11 years old.
"Children should not have to face death when they are trying to learn. Parents should not have to choose between their children's education and their safety.
"I urge all parties to the conflict to protect children from ongoing violence across the country and to make sure that schools are, and remain, safe spaces."
About UNICEF
UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.
UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca. For updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook or visit unicef.ca.
SOURCE UNICEF Canada
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