UNICEF deeply concerned about impact of unrest in southern Thai provinces on children

The top United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) official in Thailand has expressed deep concerns over the continuing violence in the country’s restive southernmost provinces and its impact on children, including an explosion that killed a four-year-old girl and her father today.

“[We are] shocked and saddened by this incident. Schools must be places of learning, discovery and recreation for children,” UNICEF’s Representative for Thailand, Thomas Davin, said in a statement.

“No children, nor any caretakers or education professionals should live or learn under fear of such attacks,” he added. “All schools must become safe heavens.”

According to media reports, a motorcycle bomb went off in front of an elementary school in Narathiwat province earlier on Tuesday, killing the young girl and her father, who had been dropping her off at the location. In addition to their deaths, the explosion injured at least 10 other people, including teachers, parents and police officers.

In the statement, Ms. Davin also called upon all parties “to do everything in their power to ensure that children are protected and no more children fall victim of violence.”