Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on latest school attack in Luhansk, Ukraine
NEW YORK, 8 May 2022 – “UNICEF strongly condemns yet another attack on a school in Ukraine amid reports that civilians, including children, had sought shelter in the school’s bunker.
“We do not yet know how many children might have been killed or injured in the reported bombing, but we fear this attack has just added to the hundreds of children who have already lost their lives in this war. Families who were caught up in this attack should have been celebrating Mother’s Day today in Ukraine, not mourning the loss of loved ones.
"Schools must never be attacked or used for military purposes. Targeting civilians and civilian objects, including schools, is a violation of international humanitarian law. This latest attack is just one of the many instances in this war where we have seen a blatant disregard for civilian lives.”
###
About UNICEF
UNICEF is the world’s leading humanitarian organization focused on children. We work in the most challenging areas to provide protection, healthcare and immunizations, education, safe water and sanitation and nutrition. As part of the United Nations, our unrivaled reach spans more than 190 countries and territories, ensuring we are on the ground to help the most disadvantaged children. While part of the UN system, UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations to finance our life-saving work. Please visit unicef.ca and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.