Statement by Julia Gillard on deadly attack on students at an education center in Afghanistan
A view of Fazel Kandahari high school in Afghanistan. Credit: GPE/Jawad Jalali

Washington, D.C., August 17, 2018 - I am deeply shocked and saddened by the latest deadly attack on students at an education center in Kabul, Afghanistan. This is an appalling act of violence and is not acceptable.

We mourn the loss in the attack of dozens of young people and offer our most profound sympathies to their families. We also wish for the full and speedy recovery for the many more victims who were wounded in the attack.

The boys and girls killed in the blast were preparing for their university entrance exams. Education institutions should never be the target of any attack and we must unite to end violence against young people everywhere and protect their right to an education in a safe learning environment.

Those who perpetrated this senseless attack represent an impediment to peace, progress and dignity, for all the world’s children and youth. These perpetrators must be brought to justice.

The work of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to build a better future for young people will continue. Afghanistan has been a member of the partnership since 2011, and GPE has provided US$56 million over the past seven years to strengthen the country’s education system and provide all children a quality education, particularly girls and those located in remote areas. We will continue to partner in efforts to protect and promote the right to an education for young people, be it in Afghanistan or elsewhere.

Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims of this atrocity and their families.

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About the Global Partnership for Education: The Global Partnership for Education works with more than 65 developing countries to ensure that every child receives a quality basic education, prioritizing the poorest, the most vulnerable and those living in countries affected by fragility and conflict-affected. GPE mobilizes financing to improve learning and equity through building stronger education systems. As the only global organization focused exclusively on improving education, GPE brings together developing country and donor country governments, multilateral development and humanitarian agencies, and organizations from the private sector, philanthropy, civil society and the teaching profession.

 

A view of Fazel Kandahari high school in Afghanistan. Credit: GPE/Jawad Jalali

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