91�ֿ�

FAIRFIELD, Conn (June 24, 2021) –��Save��the Children is shocked and��deeply��saddened��at��the death��of��a contracted��school guard on the evening of Sunday, June 20 in��Eastern Equatoria State. This comes after two 91�ֿ� staff were killed earlier this year. The guard was shot and killed instantly by an unknown number of gunmen while protecting a school compound after-hours. The gunmen went on to steal property from the school��including learning kits.��

As this attack happened in the evening, children were not present at the school during the time.

91�ֿ� and its partners currently support 382 schools and learning spaces across South Sudan, providing education to 95,000 children.

Rama Hansraj, 91�ֿ� Country Director in South Sudan, said:��

“We are mourning the loss of a colleague who was killed in the line of duty, and condemn this senseless act of violence.��Our sincere condolences��are with��his families, friends and colleagues.��Humanitarian workers put their lives on the line in the service of children and families in South Sudan, and this is no exception. 91�ֿ���condemns the killing of��any��humanitarian worker, and call��for those responsible to be brought to justice.

“We were shocked to learn that this act of violence took place at a school.��All children have the right to access a safe education, and feel safe, and no child should fear physical harm at or on the way to school.����

“We call on the government of South Sudan to take all necessary actions to protect humanitarian workers in the country, and to ensure schools are particularly safe.��There needs to be a deterrent to those responsible from continuing attacks against civilians, including children, and to be held accountable under South Sudanese and applicable regional and international laws.”��
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A total of 128 humanitarians, mostly South Sudanese, have lost their lives while providing humanitarian assistance to people since conflict broke out in 2013, according to OCHA.