According to Habilian, at the commemoration and memorial ceremony for child victims of terror and war titled "They Were Angels," held on the occasion of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression in front of the UNICEF building in Tehran, Petar Zapiro, the Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Iran, stated: "On behalf of UNICEF Iran, I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and communities mourning the loss of their children. No words can fully describe the pain and suffering of parents who have lost a child, or the deep sorrow cast over the people of Iran."
He added: "As we have previously stated, UNICEF strongly condemns all violence against children, and in this regard, we also strongly condemn the killing of children at the Minab school and other locations in Iran. Children do not start wars, but they often bear the heaviest burden—from death and injury to displacement, psychological trauma, and the destruction of schools, hospitals, and services they need for survival, growth, and development."
The Deputy Representative continued: "On the day of the attack on Minab, UNICEF called for an end to the hostilities and simultaneously began supporting the reconstruction of vital and essential services. Also, on several occasions, UNICEF has expressed its deep concern about the deadly consequences of escalating military conflicts in Iran on children's lives. These tragic events once again remind us of the devastating toll war and violence take on children, families, and communities; consequences that last for generations."
Zaphiro, referring to the long history of cooperation between Iran and UNICEF, stated: "UNICEF has been active in Iran for nearly seven decades supporting essential services for children, including healthcare, vaccination, proper nutrition, access to education, and protecting children's rights and security. Thanks to this long-standing cooperation, millions of children and infants in Iran have benefited from life-saving and life-sustaining support. UNICEF also works to ensure the safety, well-being, and access to essential services for children and vulnerable families by providing humanitarian assistance and emergency support."
He concluded: "We will continue our efforts during these difficult days, with our national and international partners, to help every child survive, recover, grow up safe and healthy, and reach their full potential."