UNICEF condemns shooting of school girls in Pakistan

via UNICEF Press Centre

KATHMANDU, 10 OCTOBER 2012 – UNICEF strongly condemns the attack on Malala Yousafzai, a 14-year-old girl from Swat, who was shot with two other children as she was leaving school by bus yesterday. UNICEF is extremely concerned for the well-being of Malala and her school companions who were injured in the same incident.

Malala spoke courageously in favour of children's rights – especially girls’ education – in Pakistan. In December 2011, she was presented with the first National Peace Award by the Pakistani government.

UNICEF calls on all parties to respect all children’s rights, including education in a safe and protective environment. With 20 million children already out of school in Pakistan, it is critical that quality education reaches all children, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.