The Board of Directors of the Global Partnership for Education, meeting in Washington D.C. on December 16, 2014, deplores the appalling attack on a school in Peshawar in Pakistan earlier today.  

We are deeply shocked by the needless and violent death of so many innocent children, teachers and other employees of the school. Our thoughts are with all the families and loved ones.

There is no justification, in any circumstances, for denying children the right to education, least of all through violence and intimidation.  The Global Partnership for Education will continue in its efforts to ensure that all children in the poorest countries of the world, including those caught in senseless conflicts, not only have the right to go to school and to learn, but also have the opportunity to do so safely. The Global Partnership for Education will continue to support the Government of Pakistan to improve school access and ensure learning for all Pakistani children.

The Board of the Global Partnership for Education reaffirms its commitment to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack.