Violence around education centres unacceptable: The United Nations Children's Fund

KABUL: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Friday condemned the blast in the western Kabul area of Afghanistan.

Friday's blast claimed at least 19 lives and injured dozens inside the Kaaj Educational Center. UNICEF said this "heinous act" claimed the lives of dozens of adolescent girls and boys and severely injured many more. "UNICEF is appalled by the horrific attack, early this morning, inside the Kaaj Educational Center in the Dasht-e-Barchi district of West #Kabul, #Afghanistan," UNICEF said in a tweet.

The UN body said violence in or around education establishments is never acceptable.

"Such places must be havens of peace where children can learn, be with friends, and feel safe as they build skills for their futures. Children and adolescents are not, and must never be, the target of violence," UNICEF said in another tweet.

The UNICEF reminded all parties in Afghanistan to adhere to and respect human rights, and to ensure the safety and protection of all children and young people.

Earlier today, Kabul Police spokesperson Khalid Zadran told CNN that the explosion occurred at the Kaaj education centre at 7:30 am local time.

"Unfortunately, the explosion has caused human casualties. Security forces have reached the area and we will share the type of the explosion and casualty figures later," said Zadran. (ANI)

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