#USA #New York #Education Cannot Wait #human rights violations #Global Attacks

Education Under Fire: A Call to Action

On the International Day for the Protection of Education from Attacks, the organization Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has made a powerful appeal for an immediate cessation of assaults on educational institutions. This day not only marks a time for reflection but is also a crucial reminder of the many children worldwide who face severe human rights violations simply for seeking an education. ECW emphasizes the necessity for continued funding to uphold the hope for millions of children affected by such dire circumstances.

The urgency of this message was underscored by a recent tragic incident when the Vasylkivka Support Lyceum No. 1 in Ukraine was struck by a missile on August 19, just weeks before the school year was set to begin. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported, but the attack resulted in significant damage to the facility, which serves 685 students. This incident is a stark manifestation of the increasing threats educational institutions face amid ongoing conflicts.

According to UN reports, between 2022 and 2023, approximately 6,000 attacks on students, teachers, and educational facilities were documented. Alarmingly, there was a 20% rise in the military use of schools, a shocking trend that fundamentally threatens the safety and well-being of children. Over 10,000 students have faced either death, abduction, arrest, or injuries due to these attacks, highlighting the alarming trend of escalating violence against education.

The Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict from the UN Secretary-General confirmed an unprecedented 41,370 incidents of grave violations against children in armed conflicts, making it the highest recorded since the implementation of the Children and Armed Conflict mandate almost 30 years ago. Notable hotspots of violation included regions like Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Nigeria, and Haiti, where staggering numbers of violations were reported. Particularly concerning is the dramatic increase in assaults on educational institutions, which surged by 44%, alongside a 34% rise in assaults involving sexual violence.

The world can and must do better. Education Cannot Wait (ECW), along with its strategic partners worldwide, is dedicated to investing in life-saving educational support for children caught amidst violent conflict. This support includes essential services such as psychological care, psychosocial support, safe learning environments, specialized training for educators, and the reconstruction of classrooms. They also provide essential meals for school children, ensuring nutritional needs are met amidst the chaos that surrounds them.

The resolve of the staff and community at the Vasylkivka Support Lyceum No. 1 to restore their school following the missile strike is a testament to the indomitable spirit of educators and students alike. Their commitment serves as a poignant appeal for immediate action to stop the violent attacks on schools, which occur daily around the globe. The call for increasing international financial commitments toward education during crises cannot be overstated. Investing in education now means investing in a peaceful and sustainable future for all.

As we observe this International Day for the Protection of Education, let us stand together and advocate for the safety and rights of children everywhere. The time for change is now.