Education activist Malala Yousafzai called reports of atrocities against civilians in Aleppo, committed by pro-Syrian government forces, “the worst of our past repeating itself.”
“When I look at Syria, I see the Rwandan genocide,” she said in a statement shared on the Malala Fund’s Facebook page on Wednesday. “When I see the desperate words of Bana Alabed in Aleppo, I see Anne Frank in Amsterdam.”
The U.N. reported on Tuesday that 82 civilians were killed in Aleppo by advancing pro-Assad troops ready to recapture the city. An emergency U.N. meeting was called on Tuesday amid reports of the executions of civilians. “To the children under siege in Aleppo, I pray that you will get out safely,” Yousafzai said. “I pray that you will grow up strong, go to school and see peace in your country some day.”
Here’s Yousafzai’s full statement:
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Your Vote Is Safe
- The Best Inventions of 2024
- How the Electoral College Actually Works
- Robert Zemeckis Just Wants to Move You
- Column: Fear and Hoping in Ohio
- How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits
- Why Vinegar Is So Good for You
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders
Write to Mahita Gajanan at mahita.gajanan@time.com