Press Statement, Sayed ul Shuhada High School Bomb Blast, Afghanistan

May 9, 2021

Background: on May 8, 2021, an explosion caused by a car bomb and mortars outside Sayed ul Shuhada High School in the Afghanistan capital Kabul has reportedly taken the lives of at least 50 people and wounded over100, mostly teenage female students.

Statement by Asuntha Charles, World Vision Afghanistan National Director

“With deep sorrow, we learned that once again, innocent children have fallen victim to a cruel and senseless attack. This inhumane act took the lives of young people and, has plunged many families into utter sorrow and devastation. When a child goes to school, they hope to learn, play, grow and live to see their future, where they can play a role in making a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities. This is their right.

Yesterday this right was taken away. While families were waiting to greet and hug their children after school, they learned that this despicable act had taken their children’s lives.  The violence and the attacks must stop immediately.

Children in Afghanistan are at breaking point. Their safety and protection must be prioritised by all duty bearers. World Vision condemns the deliberate targeting of girls in school, a place where they should feel safe to learn, play, grow and create a chance for a better future. World Vision calls for all parties to work towards a peaceful solution to protect the future of the children of Afghanistan.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased at this utterly tragic time.”

For the past 20 years, through a range of holistic, integrated humanitarian projects that promote change and improve well-being, World Vision has been serving the children, families and communities in Afghanistan. Every year, over 488,600 children and adults benefit from World Vision Afghanistan’s programmes, which currently operate in four provinces and cities throughout Afghanistan.

ENDS

Note to editor

For further information or to organise an interview, please contact: Mohammad Elias Hatimi, Communications Manager, World Vision Afghanistan

Phone: +93 728 256 483 | E-mail: mohammadelias_hatimi@wvi.org