SRSG Coomaraswamy joins the Secretary-General in condemning the attack on UNRWA summer games location

New York, 24 May 2010- “I want to join the Secretary-General and express my indignation at Sunday’s attack on the UNRWA summer games location in Gaza by masked assailants and roundly condemn this destructive act. The attack and intimidation against UNRWA officials, for which no group has claimed responsibility, was apparently intended to have a negative effect on the attendance of the quarter million boys and girls who are expected to participate in the summer camps.

The children of Gaza are already surviving through the harsh realities of a post-conflict environment and exposure to violence. These summer camps are the only opportunity for children in Gaza to take part in large-scale games and recreation during the year. The games provide a reprieve from the acute tensions of daily life and offer them a safe place to be children again. I call upon the Gaza authorities to find those accountable for the attacks and to ensure Gaza’s children safe access to the summer games.

I strongly support my colleagues in UNRWA and their determination to rebuild this facility.”

–United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy

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For further information, please contact:

Timothy La Rose, Communications Officer, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict – +917-346-3404- larose@un.org

http://www.un.org/children/conflict