Kathmandu, 3 Apr 2006 (IRIN)
Parents, teachers and NGOs in Nepal are gravely concerned about the rising number of clashes between Maoist rebels and security forces in or near places of learning.
At the same time, the army regularly ignores its commitment to protecting schools, rights groups charge. Government forces often use school premises as barracks and this is why the rebels bomb them, parents have pointed out. Security forces have been known to fire from helicopters at school buildings while pursuing Maoist rebels, who sometimes organise cultural events in school compounds.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in Nepal has been particularly critical of what appears to be the deliberate targeting of schools by both sides in the conflict. "Bombing and any other acts of violence on school premises are to be condemned. Under international humanitarian law, parties to an armed conflict must not target or endanger schools," said a statement by the children's organisation. According to a report by local child rights group, Child Workers in Nepal (CWIN), around 400 children have lost their lives in the decade-long conflict. Copyright © UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 2006 [ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN), part of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). |