SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has supported a new Unicef campaign calling on the British government to sign up to the Safe Schools Declaration and take urgent action to ensure that schools in conflict zones are not attacked or occupied for military purposes.
More than 50 countries have signed up to the Declaration, making a commitment to do more to keep schools safe during war, but the UK is yet to sign up.
Mr Durkan, who has recently been designated by Unicef as a parliamentary champion, said: “I am delighted to support this important campaign which aims to ensure that schools are always safe places for children to learn and play.
“Indeed, in the midst of conflict, schools are a vital source of safety and hope for children, allowing them to learn, play and escape the horrors of war.
“However, the world is currently failing to keep schools safe for children affected by war.
“It is shocking that from Syria to South Sudan, armed forces and groups are occupying schools in the majority of conflicts.
“Children have been kidnapped from their classrooms, forced to become soldiers, enslaved, raped and traumatised.
“The threat of attacks, violence and military occupation means countless more children don’t go to school because their parents are scared they won’t return home.
“Indeed, according to Unicef, one in four children in conflict zones are out of school, a total of 24 million children.
“I am therefore urging the government to sign up to the Safe Schools Declaration, and ensure that the protection and education of children in conflict zones are prioritised at the first ever World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May.”