UNESCO Decries Bombing of Primary School in Iran as Severe Violation of Humanitarian Law

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has characterized the recent bombing of a primary school in Iran amid military actions by the U.S. and Israel as a significant violation of humanitarian law.

On Saturday, military strikes conducted by Israel and the United States led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Reports indicate that missiles targeted a girl’s primary school located in Minab, southern Iran, resulting in approximately 150 fatalities and leaving nearly 100 individuals injured, many of whom were students.

In a statement released on Monday, UNESCO expressed considerable concern regarding the consequences of these military attacks, noting that such assaults on educational establishments compromise the safety of students and educators, severely undermining the right to education, which is safeguarded under international humanitarian law.

The continued military actions, which persisted into Sunday, have drawn condemnation from various United Nations agencies and representatives, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Nobel Peace laureate and UN Messenger of Peace, Malala Yousafzai, expressed her heartbreak and outrage over the school bombing, stating on social media, “The killing of civilians, particularly children, is unacceptable, and I condemn it without reservation.” She also urged for the cessation of violence in the region and called for accountability.

Malala, a staunch advocate for girls’ education, became a prominent figure in this area after surviving an assassination attempt in 2012, where she was attacked by the Taliban for her activism.

She emphasized that it is the obligation of all states to adhere to international law that mandates the protection of civilians and educational institutions, asserting, “Every child deserves to live and learn in peace.”