UNICEF condemns violence against children during protests

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said it is concerned with reports of violence during protests involving children in the country. "All actors must guarantee the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, including for children," a statement from UNICEF in Sri Lanka said.

The statement came after footage emerged on social media platforms where children were affected due to a teargas attack by police personnel during protests held near Parliament yesterday. 

According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children and adolescents have the right to participate and express their opinions on issues that affect them. The State, local communities and families have a shared responsibility to protect children and safeguard their rights, the UN agency said.

"All acts of violence must stop. Every adult must act with a sense of responsibility and avoid exposing children to all forms of violence, including during protests. We call on law enforcement agencies to avoid the use of force and ensure that fundamental guarantees for the protection of children remain applicable everywhere, at all times”. the statement added.