Message for Peshawar Attack Memorial

Dear Students and Teachers
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is my privilege to represent the Acting Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Mr. Michael Møller, who very much regrets that he cannot be here with you today. He has asked me to deliver a message in support of this commemoration and to show his appreciation for your dedicated efforts to pay tribute to the victims of the horrific attack in Peshawar on Tuesday.

The message goes as follows:

“The entire world is united in shock and in mourning over the cowardly attack at a school in Peshawar, which took the lives of over 140 people on Tuesday, the vast majority children. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims, and express my hope for a speedy recovery and continued courage for the survivors. We must continue to support them, and all victims of terrorism, in healing their wounds.

Attacks targeted at school children and teachers, or any place of learning, is a crime. No cause and no conviction can ever justify such heinous acts. We stand with the people of Pakistan and all its children in supporting the right to education in an environment free of fear.

Combatting terrorism relies on international solidarity, and the United Nations will continue to support the Pakistani Government and people in their fight against terrorism and violent extremis. This tragedy urges us to be more creative and proactive in addressing terrorism, and finding solutions to secure a safe learning environment for our children.

Despite the brutality of this vicious act, the children of Pakistan are undeterred in their fight for human rights and human dignity. We can all take hope from the courage of the brave children and the teachers who tried to protect them, and of others, such as the inspirational example of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. I salute the students who are here today, for showing their solidarity and their commitment to supporting other children who cannot take education for granted.
We must all do more to promote education and protect the rights of children. It is the only way to truly honour the memory of the victims.”

That was the end of the Acting Director-General’s message.

I join the Acting Director-General in extending deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.

Thank you for your attention.