27 June, 2023, Addis Ababa: The Africa Platform on Children Affected by Armed Conflicts (AP CAAC) joins the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, to strongly condemn the heinous and shocking terrorist attack by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militia, on the Lhubiriha secondary school in Western Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, with at least 42 students killed, more injured and others unaccounted for.

Attacks against schools are one of the six grave violations against children in conflict situations. Every boy and girl has the right to an education without fear of violence or attack, and every school should be a protected space for students to learn and fulfil their potential. As stated in the Safe Schools Declaration (2015) attacks against schools expose students and education personnel to harm, deny many children and students their right to education, and deprive communities of the foundations for greater prosperity.

The AP CAAC stands in solidarity with the affected children and their families, the Government and the People of Uganda during this painful period. The Platform also encourages Member States to consider concrete measures to deter attacks against schools as per applicable international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

For further information, please contact:

Dr Isabela Warioba, Partnerships and Child Protection Advisor | Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission | E-mail: wariobai@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

For media enquiries, please contact:

Mr Paschal Chem-Langhee, Communications Coordinator a.i. | Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission | E-mail: Chem-LangheeP@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
Web: au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube