New York, Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the attacks on teachers in Pakistan

The Secretary-General condemns the violent attacks on teachers in Pakistan.  Shahnaz Nazli, a 41-year old teacher, was killed this week in Shahkas, in the Khyber Agency of Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas.  Five teachers were killed in January near the town of Swabi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.  In addition to the tragic loss of life, violence against teachers undermines confidence in education systems, traumatizes students, and discourages parents from sending children to school.  Attacks on women teachers are particularly heinous because they disproportionately affect the girl students for whom they serve as role models.

The Secretary-General is greatly concerned about the increase of violence against teachers around the world in recent years.  He calls for schools to be respected as safe and secure learning spaces.  He urges local and national authorities to redouble their efforts to provide security in this area and to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice.  The international community must work together to prevent violations of the right to education.