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In the morning of Saturday 24 October 2020, the world stood shocked and horrified by the news of a dreadful massacre which took place in Mother Francisca Memorial College Kumba, in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Reports say gunmen invaded the school while young children, 9 to 12 years, were studying in class, and opened fire on them, leaving 8 dead, and more than 10 critically wounded.��������
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UNESCO Director General, Audrey Azoulay, tweeted “UNESCO condemns the deadly attack against Mother Francisca School in Cameroon which killed 8+ children and left many wounded. My deepest solidarity with the victims and the people of Cameroon. Schools must be safe places, education is a human right.”
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After three years of school ban in these two regions of Cameroon, with millions of children out of school, this academic year that began on 05 October 2020, resumed with the promise of return to normalcy with the enrollment of 320,000 students. A record rate higher than recent enrollment in recent years. However, the glimpse of hope was short-lived as it rapidly turned to a nightmare as attacks on schools began, culminating
in the dreadful massacre of children in Mother Theresa School on October 24.
Depriving children of their right to education and turning schools to a place to be feared is a grievous violation of the Safe School Declaration and a crime against humanity. In an official communiqué, on behalf of the United Nations in Cameroon, Mr. Matthias Naab, the UN Resident Coordinator, stated: “Children have a right to education. Violence against schools and innocent schoolchildren is not acceptable under any circumstances and can constitute a crime against humanity if proven in a court of law. I call on the competent authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this tragedy.” Education should not continue to be held as a weapon, neither a hostage in any conflict.
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91�鶹������Ʒ���� reiterated the call on all stakeholders, involved in the North West and South West conflict, to uphold the principles of the Safe School Declaration of which Cameroon is a signatory, and ensure that they protect schools facilities, teachers, students and other personnel working in schools to ensure the right to education. UNESCO urges the government to investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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Education is not just a basic human right but also a crucial human need. Schools are to remain safe and a protective ground for pupils, students and education personnel.