UNICEF condemns use of tear gas on Lang'ata Road pupils

Kenya: United Nations Children's Education Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the use of teargas by the police on Lang’ata Road Primary School pupils, who were protesting the grabbing of their playground.

The fund said the right to play is every child's right.

Safe places must be created for all children to play; the fund said, adding that as adults, we have a responsibility to safeguard the rights of all children and be protected from harm.

"It contributes to a child's healthy development and builds physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills. Skills that will be so critical in later life, not only for the child but for Kenya if Vision 2030 is to be realised," the fund said in a statement.

It said the right is articulated in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

UNICEF said Kenya has done well and its commitment is evident in its implementation of the Child-friendly Schools model that recognises that children's rights are human rights.

"Through child-friendly schools, Kenya is working to reduce inequities by providing a safe, clean, healthy and protective environment, particularly in marginalized communities. This is the promise of Kenya's Bill of Rights in its far-reaching Constitution."

To make the right to play a reality, it should not matter where a child is born.