School attack in Peshwar, Pakistan: Global Campaign for Education Statement

The horrific news of the terrorist attack on a school in Peshwar, Pakistan, in which at least 141 people were killed, has caused outrage across the globe. The majority of the victims – at least 132 – were children.  This is the most devastating attack carried out by the Taliban in Pakistan to date. The Global Campaign for Education condemns in the strongest terms this brutal assault on innocent lives. The Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE), GCE’s national member coalition in Pakistan, has also strongly condemned today’s attack.

GCE President, Camilla Croso, stated:

“It is abhorrent that such a deadly attack has been carried out in a place where safety should be guaranteed – at school. Education is a basic human right, and no child should be a target for wanting to access that right. Teachers must be able to work without fear, and children must be able to learn without harm.

We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims, the survivors of this barbaric attack, and the people of Pakistan. We call on the government of Pakistan to ensure that the lives of children and teachers are protected in schools, and to make every possible effort to eradicate the threat of terror.â€‌

Attacks on education are increasing, particularly in areas affected by conflict.  However, education must continue during and after crises, despite the huge challenges this presents. Education has the power to transform society and can play a part in reducing global conflict levels and political violence.

GCE reiterates its call for all governments to take action to prevent violent attacks on education, and to commit to ensuring the right of every child to a quality education.