NEW YORK (October 6, 2022) –  UNICEF is saddened and shocked by the tragic shooting incident at an early childhood development center in Thailand’s northern province of Nong Bua Lamphu, where dozens of people were reported killed, many of them young children.

UNICEF condemns all forms of violence against children. No child should be a target or witness of violence anywhere, anytime.

Early childhood development centers, schools and all learning spaces must be safe havens for young children to learn, play and grow during their most critical years.

UNICEF sends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and the injured. We join all people in Thailand in mourning and hope that those affected receive appropriate and timely support.

We also ask that members of the public and the media refrain from posting or forwarding images and videos related to this violent incident, as this may further negatively impact children, victims' families, and their loved ones.

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About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information please contact:
Jenna Buraczenski, UNICEF USA, (917) 720-1432, jburaczenski@unicefusa.org