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UNICEF concerned after tear gas hits children during protests
07 May, 2022
UNICEF has raised concerns after there were reports of children being hit by tear gas near Parliament.
The UN agency said that it is concerned with reports of violence during protests involving children.
UNICEF said that all actors must guarantee the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, including for children.
“According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children and adolescents have the right to participate and express their opinions on issues that affect them. The State, local communities and families have a shared responsibility to protect children and safeguard their rights,” UNICEF said.
UNICEF said that all acts of violence must stop and every adult must act with a sense of responsibility and avoid exposing children to any form of violence, including during protests.
The UN agency also called on law enforcement agencies to avoid the use of force and ensure that fundamental guarantees for the protection of children remain applicable everywhere, at all times. (Colombo Gazette)
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