UNICEF deplores the insecurity that endangers the lives of children on the way to school, stressing that in recent months, more and more kidnappings of children and adolescents and young people killed have been reported in Haiti. Recalling the death of a 15-year-old teenage girl in the 9th fundamental year shot dead on leaving school on January 25 and other cases involving children, schoolgirls and schoolboys, high school students, officially documented or no, relayed in the media, social networks and the community.

"Children need to go to school and come home without putting their lives in danger. They must study, play, live their childhood and thrive within the community," declared Bruno Maes, Representative of UNICEF in Haiti adding "The State, families and communities must protect children more, in order to that they can continue their education in complete safety."

UNICEF recalls that in January 2019, Haiti approved the Safe Schools Declaration, in which the country pledges to protect students, teachers, schools and universities in the event of violent conflict.

IH/ iciHaiti