Schools should be havens for children

World Vision joins with millions around the world in mourning for the loss of so many children in Pakistan today, whose potential and bright futures are now lost to their community, country and the world. 

Any attack on children is sickening, but in places where they should most expect to be safe – homes, schools, places of worship – it’s particularly heartbreaking.

The horrific, lifelong impact of violence against children; we are commenting today because we want to speak out for the rights of children to be cared for and protected.

As World Vision knows from years of experience, violence against children leaves a lifelong impact on children themselves, but also their communities and societies. Child survivors who are exposed to violence often suffer from serious trauma causing considerable mental health problems that affect their ability to learn, socialise and if untreated may permanently hamper their chances to lead normal and productive lives as adults.

Children should be safe in places where they live and learn. Schools should not be battlegrounds.