UNICEF condemns attack on schoolgirl in Pakistan and calls on all parties to respect children’s rights
NEWS RELEASE
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".
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For further information, please contact:
Indra Kumari Nadchatram,
UNICEF Media, Malaysia
(+6.03) 2095 9157
+6012 292 6872
inadchatram@unicef.org
Sasha Surandran,
UNICEF Media, Malaysia
(+6.03) 2095 9154 ext. 2236
+6012 658 5160
ssurandan@unicef.org
