UNICEF statement on reported death of children after brutal attack on school in Rakhine State, Myanmar
Publication Date: 2025/09/12
NEW YORK/BANGKOK/YANGON, 12 September 2025 — UNICEF is extremely concerned by reports of an overnight attack on a boarding school in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, that reportedly killed and injured children as they slept.
The attack adds to a pattern of increasingly devastating violence in Rakhine State, with children and families paying the ultimate price. Relentless attacks are sowing terror, uprooting families, and deepening their suffering. Children are losing their lives in the very spaces meant to protect them — their homes, schools, and neighborhoods.
On top of the escalating violence and displacement, families across Rakhine are also facing acute hardship, dwindling food supplies and the collapse of vital lifelines such as education and healthcare.
Violence against children must stop. Schools, dormitories, homes, and the essential services that children rely on must remain safe at all times. Parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians, including children, safeguard civilian infrastructure, and allow lifesaving humanitarian assistance to reach those in urgent need.
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UNICEF is the world’s leading humanitarian organization focused on children. We work in the most challenging areas to provide protection, healthcare and immunizations, education, safe water and sanitation and nutrition. As part of the United Nations, our unrivaled reach spans more than 190 countries and territories, ensuring we are on the ground to help the most disadvantaged children. While part of the UN system, UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations to finance our life-saving work. Please visit unicef.ca and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.