Support foreign children to have access to schools

 UNICEF, Save the Children, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, embassies, and child-protection NGOs.

Email: Pretoria@unicef.org +27 12 425 4700

1. Kurtis.cooper@unicef.org
2. Webmaster@unicef.org 
3. Imfo@amnesty.org.za +27 11 283 6000
4. Save the children +44 (0)20 3272 0300
5.  Human rights watch +27 11 062 2850
   Subject
   Urgent Appeal: Protection of Children from Discrimination and Intimidation in Schools
   Dear Sir/Madam,
   We are  writing to urgently seek your attention and intervention regarding serious concerns affecting children’s safety and access to education in South Africa. 
   There are growing reports of xenophobic actions and movements that are directly impacting school environments. In some cases, schools are being pressured to discriminate against learners based on nationality. Children are being intimidated, discouraged from attending school, and exposed to hostile acts, including being encouraged to sing or participate in discriminatory messages against other students.
   These actions place innocent children at risk of emotional harm and violate their fundamental rights. Schools must remain safe, neutral spaces dedicated to learning, dignity, and protection for every child.
   This situation constitutes a clear violation of:
   The right to basic education guaranteed by the South African Constitution
   The Children’s Act, which protects all children from discrimination and psychological harm
   The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly the principles of non-discrimination and protection from violence
   In response, a public petition has been launched calling for:
   Clear and written instructions to all schools prohibiting discrimination based on nationality
   Immediate protection for all children attending school
   The prevention of intimidation, hate speech, or divisive activities within school environments
   Accountability and monitoring mechanisms to protect affected learners
   We respectfully request your organization’s support through advocacy, public guidance, and engagement with the relevant authorities to ensure that children are protected and that schools remain inclusive and safe for all.
   Children must never be used as instruments of adult conflicts. Their right to education and safety must be upheld without exception.
   Thank you for your attention to this urgent child-protection matter.
   
   

Les femmes Congolaises engagées    Contact the author of the petition