It is an act of horror and rank cowardice to attack defenseless children while they learn. I condemn this heinous attack in the strongest possible terms. Schools must be safe and secure learning spaces. Getting an education is every child’s right. Going to school should not be an act of bravery.

— UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s horrific attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and loved ones. By targeting students and teachers in this heinous attack, terrorists have once again shown their depravity. We stand with the people of Pakistan, and reiterate the commitment of the United States to support the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and to promote peace and stability in the region

— US President Barack Obama

I am heartbroken by this senseless and cold-blooded act of terror in Peshawar that is unfolding before us. Innocent children in their school have no place in horror such as this. I condemn these atrocious and cowardly acts and stand united with the government and armed forces of Pakistan whose efforts so far to address this horrific event are commendable.

— Nobel peace laureate Malala Yousafzai

It is a senseless act of unspeakable brutality that has claimed lives of the most innocent of human beings — young children in their school. My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones today. We share their pain and offer our deepest condolences.

— Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The killing of innocent children is contrary to Islam.

— Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani

There can be absolutely no justification for targeting children in this way. This unconscionable Taleban attack is a grave reminder that civilians in north-west Pakistan desperately need effective protection from militant groups.

— David Griffiths, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Asia-Pacific.

The Taleban have sunk to an all-time depth with this attack. Everyone must now unite to combat this type of savage extremism.

— UN’s top human rights official Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein

Nothing can justify such an horrific attack on children going to school. The UK continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government and people of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

— British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.

The United States strongly condemns senseless and inhumane attacks on innocent students and educators, and stands in solidarity with the people of Pakistan, and all who fight the menace of terrorism. Few have suffered more at the hands of terrorists and extremists than the people of Pakistan.

— US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson.