Unicef calls for protection of children during protests

This comes after more than 50 pupils were rushed to hospital on Monday after the police lobbed teargas in their classroom in Kangemi

In Summary

•Unicef appealed to both the government and the opposition to put in place measures to ensure the safety and protection of children across the country is assured

•The UN agency said children should never be exposed to harm, and their fundamental right to education must be safeguarded

A boda boda fleeing after police lobbed teargas canisters to disperse protestors in Nairobi on July 12, 2023.
A boda boda fleeing after police lobbed teargas canisters to disperse protestors in Nairobi on July 12, 2023.
Image: KEITH MUSEKE

United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) has condemned the teargasing of children by security forces during anti-government protests.

Unicef in a statement on Friday appealed to both the government and the opposition to put in place measures to ensure the safety and protection of children across the country is assured.

“Unicef is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of children in Nairobi and various regions of Kenya, in the aftermath of recent protests,” it said.

The UN agency said children should never be exposed to harm, and their fundamental right to education must be safeguarded.

“The reports of children being exposed to tear gas and other dangers present in large crowds are alarming,” it said.

UNICEF further said it remains committed to working tirelessly in partnership with local and national entities to ensure security and the well-being of children across Kenya is guaranteed.

This comes after more than 50 pupils were rushed to hospital on Monday after the police lobbed teargas in their classroom in Kangemi.

The pupils of KihumbuIni Primary School in Kangemi were in their classrooms when the tear gas was lobbed.

The majority of them were allegedly shocked after they were overwhelmed by the teargas fumes but so far no casualties have been reported.

According to one of the locals, the teargas canister was allegedly thrown into the classroom by police officers who were dispersing residents who turned up for the Azimio protests.

According to Science Direct, tear gases have also been implicated in lower respiratory injury and even in persistent effects following high-intensity exposures, especially in closed spaces like buildings.

It, however, says exposure can be significant if the affected person is forced into a confined space for extended periods of time.

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