ZAGREB, 23 Dec (Hina) – Fifty organisations and networks announced on Monday they are joining tonight’s march “For Safe Schools” in Zagreb, Osijek, and other cities, calling for actions to improve safety in schools following Friday’s tragic incident at Prečko Primary School in Zagreb.

The organisations, including the Centre for Peace Studies, GONG, and the Forum for Freedom in Education, urged mass participation in the march, which will begin in Zagreb at 6 p.m., with participants walking through the city centre.

“Achieving safety in schools requires the support of government institutions, school teams, the media, civil society organisations, and all engaged individuals,” they said in a press release.

They called on institutions and citizens to join efforts for peace and safety in schools, expressing hope that 2025 will bring tangible changes.

They emphasised the need for systematic investment in the education system, focusing on improving the quality of material and working conditions in schools, as well as providing professional support to teachers, whom they described as “key to the safety of children and communities.”

The organisations expressed gratitude to teachers, students, and schools that promote nonviolence.

They also acknowledged the cities and organisations supporting human rights and nonviolence. “We are grateful to the City of Rijeka, as well as all other cities, counties, and organisations advocating for the systematic and high-quality introduction of education for human rights and democratic citizenship into the educational system, an integral part of which is education for nonviolence and dialogue.”

Expressions of solidarity with the tragic event at the Prečko school also came from Belgrade, where students and citizens paid tribute to the victims. “We are encouraged by the cross-border solidarity, which gives us hope that together we can address injustices and stand up for nonviolence,” the press release said.