Statement of the Education Cannot Wait Director to the Attack Against Aid Workers in the Central Africa Republic

I am shocked and deeply saddened by the senseless killing of our brave colleagues and partners bringing hope to the children and youth in the Central African Republic. According to UNICEF, six education workers were killed in Markounda, in the northwest of the country, while they were supporting a program aiming to help vulnerable children access schooling.

On behalf of all staff from Education Cannot Wait, I offer my deepest condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of the victims.

Attacks against education workers, all civilians, is a grave breach of international humanitarian law. These attacks are unacceptable and hinder the potential of children and youth to develop and reach their full potential.

Education Cannot Wait is supporting UNICEF and other partners working on education across the Central African Republic where, due to insecurity, approximately one in four children is out of school.