The European Union is appalled by reports of at least ten children being killed as army helicopters opened fire over a school in Tabayin, Myanmar. To undertake such military action over a civilian target is against international humanitarian law and must be fully investigated. There must be accountability for this crime.

Children and schools must never be a target. As the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar noted in his June 2022 report, at least 382 children have been killed or maimed by armed groups since the coup, with the Myanmar military being responsible for most of these deaths and injuries.

The European Union calls for an immediate end to all attacks on schools or to their use for military purposes. Every school should be a protected space for children and students to learn, and fulfil their potential, even during conflict.