Statement from UNICEF Canada on school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

UNICEF Canada is shocked and heartbroken at the tragic loss of multiple young lives from yesterday's deadly shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.

School should be one of the safest places for a young person. These events are a stark reminder that Canadian children are not immune to violence at school.

Under the UN's Convention on the Rights of the Child-which Canada has signed and ratified-all children have the right to education, which can only be realized through a safe and supportive learning environment.

Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who are injured, and the Tumbler Ridge community. Together, we must do more to ensure the safety of children from this kind of violence, regardless of where they are.

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.caand follow us on Twitter, Facebookand Instagram.

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