#None #Education Cannot Wait #International Law #children rights

Urgent Call for Action: Protecting Education on International Day Against School Attacks

On September 9, 2025, the International Day to Protect Education from Attack was observed globally, with Education Cannot Wait (ECW) making a critical appeal for an immediate end to assaults on educational institutions. This campaign emphasizes the urgent need to adhere to International Humanitarian Law and the Safe Schools Declaration to safeguard children’s right to education in conflict zones. Sadly, schools have become battlegrounds, with alarming incidents of violence against them increasing both in frequency and intensity.

The assaults on educational facilities have reached staggering levels, as reported by the United Nations. In the year spanning 2022 to 2023 alone, there were about 6,000 documented attacks targeting students, teachers, and schools. Furthermore, the utilization of educational institutions for military purposes climbed by 20%, highlighting an alarming shift in the treatment of schools in conflict scenarios. Tragically, over 10,000 students were either killed, abducted, arrested, or injured amid these attacks, illustrating the grave violations of children’s human rights that are becoming alarmingly common.

In his Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict, the UN Secretary-General revealed a shocking total of 41,370 verified incidents of grave violations against children, marking the highest rates recorded since the establishment of the Children and Armed Conflict mandate nearly three decades ago. Geographic hotspots for these violations included areas like the Israeli and Palestinian territories, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and conflict-ridden nations such as Somalia and Nigeria. The report also indicated distressing increases in violence, with incidents in Lebanon soaring by more than 500%, underscoring a global crisis requiring immediate attention.

A stark example of this crisis is the recent attack on Vasylkivka Support Lyceum No. 1 in Ukraine, which occurred just weeks before the start of the academic year. On August 19 at 5:00 AM, a missile struck the school, which plays a crucial role in educating 685 students with the backing of the ECW Multi-Year Resilience Programme. Thankfully, there were no casualties reported; however, substantial damages were caused, which included destruction of external walls and classrooms, leaving the community determined to restore and reopen their beloved school despite the devastation.

The resolve shown by the staff and families surrounding Vasylkivka Support Lyceum No. 1 is emblematic of the larger fight for education in conflict zones. Their unwavering commitment serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to protect educational spaces, which remain vital for nurturing hope and providing stability to children in turmoil.

In light of the escalating violence against educational institutions, Education Cannot Wait, along with international partners, is prioritizing lifesaving educational support across the globe. This initiative encompasses vital services such as mental health and psychosocial support, safe learning environments, specialized teacher training, and the rebuilding of damaged schools, serving as a commitment to the future of children living in the shadows of conflict.

The violent reality faced by many educational institutions necessitates a global rallying cry for peace and protection. To uphold the rights of children to safe and uninterrupted education, we must advocate for a concerted response to these paternal attacks on schools and a significant increase in financial support for education initiatives worldwide. Investing in their education today represents a critical step towards realizing a peaceful and prosperous future for all.

In conclusion, we must act decisively to guarantee that every child has access to education without fear of violence or disruption. The passion and courage displayed by those at Vasylkivka Support Lyceum No. 1 should inspire policymakers and communities globally to push for an urgent halt to violence against schools and reaffirm our collective commitment to providing safe, quality education for every child.