Iran Accuses US, Israel in Urgent Appeal to UNESCO, UNICEF for Civilian and School Protection
Tehran, Iran – Iran’s Minister of Education, Alireza Kazemi, has launched an urgent appeal to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), calling on the international bodies to condemn alleged “crimes” and demand an immediate halt to attacks targeting educational infrastructure, students, and civilians. The minister explicitly accused the United States of America and the Israeli regime of perpetrating these actions.
In separate letters dispatched to UNESCO and UNICEF, Minister Kazemi conveyed “the deepest regret and strongest condemnation” of what he described as actions by the United States and the Israeli regime. He asserted that these acts, characterized by “illegal aggression and the deliberate bombing of residential areas, medical centers, and vital educational infrastructure, particularly schools,” constitute a severe assault against his nation.
Violation of International Law Alleged
Minister Kazemi emphasized that these “targeted attacks” represent a “flagrant violation of international law, fundamental human rights, and numerous international conventions and recommendations designed to protect civilians, especially children and vulnerable populations.” He further stated that the deliberate targeting of schools and students is an “inhuman and calculated act aimed at destroying future generations.”
Devastating Human and Educational Impact
The Minister provided detailed statistics on the reported casualties and damage to educational facilities. According to figures provided as of March 3, 2026, the attacks have resulted in significant human cost:
- Minab: 168 individuals martyred and 110 injured.
- Fars: 1 teacher and 5 students martyred.
- Ilam: 1 teacher and 2 students martyred.
- East Azerbaijan: 1 teacher injured and 2 students martyred.
- Tehran: 3 students martyred and 2 students injured.
- Qazvin: 1 student martyred.
- Tehran Province (Counties): 1 teacher and 1 student martyred.
Beyond the tragic loss of life, approximately 20 educational centers have reportedly suffered severe damage, with some completely destroyed. Minister Kazemi highlighted that these attacks have “severely disrupted the educational process for thousands of students, denying them their fundamental right to education in a safe environment.”
Urgent Call for International Action
Given the critical missions of UNESCO and UNICEF in supporting education and promoting peace, Minister Kazemi implored the organizations to “resolutely condemn these anti-human crimes.” He also urged them to demand that “the perpetrators of these aggressions immediately cease their attacks against educational infrastructure, schools, and students,” stressing the urgent need for protection for all civilians, particularly the most vulnerable.
