UNICEF sets up 'pandemic classroom' at UN headquarters

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The UNICEF unveils "pandemic classroom" at the United Nations headquarters in New York, U.S., March 2, 2021. /CFP

The model classroom has 168 sets of empty desks and chairs, with each seat representing one million children living in countries where schools have been almost entirely closed since the start of COVID-19 lockdowns. /CFP

The move is aimed to raise awareness about children's learning and well-being as well as to call for the governments' attention to prioritize reopening schools. /CFP

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore on Tuesday emphasized the "catastrophic education emergency" caused by worldwide COVID-19 lockdowns.

Latest data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization shows that over 888 million children are facing education disruptions due to school closures.

Those most vulnerable and without remote learning access can face increasing risk of never returning to classroom, or even being forced into child marriage or labor, a UNICEF report said.

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