UNICEF Raises Alarm Over Child Casualties in Balochistan Attacks.
ISLAMABAD:
UNICEF has expressed grave concern over reports of children being killed and injured during a series of violent attacks in Pakistan’s south-western province of Balochistan, warning that the escalating violence is placing an unbearable burden on children and their families.
In a statement issued on February 3, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Pernille Ironside, said the organization was deeply troubled by information indicating that children were among the victims of the recent attacks that took place over the weekend.
“UNICEF is gravely concerned by reports that children were amongst those killed and injured in attacks across the south-western province of Balochistan last weekend,” Ironside said. “This escalation of violence is spreading fear across communities, with children and families bearing the heaviest burden.”
She extended condolences to the families who lost loved ones and to communities affected by the violence, emphasizing the profound human cost of continued insecurity in the region.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the communities impacted,” the statement read.
UNICEF underscored that children must never be targeted or harmed under any circumstances, stressing that their protection is a fundamental obligation under both national and international law.
“Children cannot be targets nor collateral damage, and their lives must always be protected in keeping with national and international laws,” Ironside said.
The agency reiterated its call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their responsibilities to protect civilians, particularly children, and to ensure that their safety, rights, and well-being are safeguarded at all times.
