Peshawar, PAKISTAN (December 16, 2014) — World Vision joins with millions around the world in mourning 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.
Violence against children has a horrific, lifelong impact. 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 not only on children themselves, but also on 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 and socialize. If untreated, such exposure 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.
– END –
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.
Highlights
- World Vision joins with millions around the world in mourning the loss of so many children in Pakistan today.
- Any attack on children is sickening, but in places where they should most expect to be safe, it’s particularly heartbreaking.
- Children should be safe in places where they live and learn. Schools should not be battlegrounds.