Press Release

UNICEF Condemns Attack on Schoolgirl in Pakistan and Calls on All Parties to Respect Children’s Rights

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.

Kathmandu (October 10, 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 favor 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.”

About UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when ZERO children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood.

For additional information, please contact:
Susannah Masur, 212.880.9146, smasur@unicefusa.org