The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over the military council’s airstrike on a school in Depayin Township, Sagaing Region, which resulted in the deaths of twenty-two students and two teachers, totaling twenty-four casualties. The incident occurred on May 12 when military aircraft bombed the school, causing the deaths of innocent children and teachers.
In a statement issued by Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, concerns were raised about the military’s continued airstrikes in the Sagaing Region, an area recently affected by earthquakes. The statement noted that despite the military council’s announcement of a ceasefire until May 31 to facilitate earthquake relief efforts, such attacks continue to occur in the region.
The statement emphasized that schools must be protected during armed conflicts, and they should remain safe spaces for children to receive education. The Secretary-General condemned all forms of violence and reaffirmed that the protection of civilians is a fundamental value under international humanitarian law. The statement highlighted the particular importance of maintaining civilian safety in conflict zones and ensuring that educational institutions remain secure environments for learning.
U Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has also presented evidence, including photographic documentation of the incident, directly to the UN Secretary-General. He has formally raised this issue in UN meetings, bringing international attention to this act of violence. The international community continues to monitor such inhumane attacks closely, calling for an end to the military council’s violence against civilians. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and highlights the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, where civilian infrastructure, including schools, continues to be targeted despite international calls for protection of civilian lives and property.
