UNICEF Statement on the Ateneo de Zamboanga Shooting Incident

No child should ever have to fear for their safety at school.

UNICEF extends its heartfelt condolences to the families mourning immeasurable loss from the shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University and stands with the community whose sense of safety has been shaken. We urge the public and media to avoid sharing images, videos or personal information that could further expose affected children and families to harm, stigma or distress.

UNICEF is alarmed by this latest incident endangering children’s safety in schools. Regardless of the circumstances that may have contributed to such acts, the focus must remain on protecting children, preventing further harm and addressing the factors that place them at risk. This also includes strengthening measures that prevent children from accessing firearms and other lethal weapons, including responsible storage and appropriate safeguards within homes and communities.

This incident and similar recent events underscore the urgent need to make schools safer, strengthen the systems that protect children and address risks before violence occurs. These systems include stronger coordination between schools, local social welfare and child protection services, health and mental health providers, justice actors and other relevant agencies, as well as the sufficient capacity of school personnel and other child-facing responders to identify and escalate risks early, respond appropriately and connect children to timely support and intervention.

All efforts to prevent violence and respond to its consequences must be guided by every child’s right to protection, support and opportunities for positive development.

Keeping children safe requires urgent, collective action from schools, families, communities and institutions alike. UNICEF remains committed to working with partners to strengthen child protection systems and support action that keeps children safe in schools, at home and in their communities.