Gang violence: UNICEF and UNESCO reiterate their call for respect for children’s right to education in Haiti.
Faced with rising insecurity and socio-political instability, UNESCO andUNICEF in a joint statement launched a call for respect for the right of children to education in Haiti. These students have missed several days of classes because of gang violence. The two institutions took the opportunity to draw everyone’s attention to the closure of several educational establishments in the country, particularly in the departments of Artibonite and the West.
“In recent months, some schools, particularly in the Artibonite department and in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, have closed their doors for fear of being trapped by the violence of armed groups. Numerous temporary closures of establishments have also been noted due to movements associated with certain demonstrations and protests of a political and/or union nature in various departments, particularly in Grand’anse and the North-East.we can read in this joint declaration.
Furthermore, the two organizations which campaign in the sector of education and the protection of children, invite all influential actors in Haitian society to contribute to the protection of students, academics, parents, teaching staff and archives educational establishments, in accordance with Declaration 1 on Safe Schools signed by more than 111 countries around the world, to which Haiti has adhered.
Sensitive to the education of children and the protection of our students, UNESCO and UNICEF decide to reiterate their commitment to supporting dynamics favorable to the transformation of education. “Education is a fundamental right. Let’s all work to preserve it.”they said.
Remember that gang violence in the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince is forcing several educational establishments to close their doors in areas controlled by bandits, notably in Martissant, Pernier, Bel-Air, Cité Soleil among others.
© UNICEF/Opota
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