Table of Contents
Alarming Increase in Attacks on Education Worldwide
The Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) has reported a significant rise in attacks on education worldwide, with more than 3,000 attacks identified in 2022, a 17 percent increase from the previous year. This data, released ahead of the fourth United Nations International Day to Protect Education from Attack, sheds light on a disturbing trend that threatens the safety and accessibility of education for millions of students and educators around the world.
Key Findings and Impact
The report highlights that almost one-third of all attacks on education occurred in Ukraine, Myanmar, and Burkina Faso, with the war in Ukraine accounting for the majority of these attacks. In 2022, over 6,700 students and educators were killed, injured, abducted, arrested, or otherwise harmed by these attacks, marking a 20 percent increase from the previous year.
The use of schools and universities for military purposes also increased in 2022, with over 510 cases reported compared to around 450 the previous year. The use of explosive weapons, both targeted and indiscriminate, in these attacks caused widespread damage, posing a deadly risk for years to come.
Understanding the Motivations
A new report released by the coalition, titled “Non-State Armed Groups and Attacks on Education: Exploring Trends and Practices to Curb Violations,” sheds light on the motivations behind these attacks. The report found that in 2020 and 2021, more than half of all attacks on education, as well as a quarter of reported military use of schools and universities, were perpetrated by non-state armed groups.
Various motivations drive these groups to target schools and educators. The report provides recommendations and strategies for reducing these attacks and underscores the importance of the Safe Schools Declaration, a political commitment endorsed by 118 countries, to protect students, educators, schools, and universities during armed conflicts.
Safeguarding Education through International Commitments
The Safe Schools Declaration provides a roadmap for preserving the lives and futures of students and teachers, as well as the communities they build. Since its launch in 2015, over a dozen governments have made changes to their national policies, practices, or military manuals to limit the use of schools for military purposes. Non-state armed groups have also taken measures to safeguard education in certain contexts.
For example, several groups operating in Burkina Faso signed unilateral declarations in October 2022, committing to protect educational institutions. In Yemen, the Houthis signed an action plan in 2022 to end attacks on schools and other grave violations against children.
Editorial: Safeguarding Education in Times of Conflict
The alarming increase in attacks on education worldwide demands immediate attention and concerted action from governments, non-state armed groups, and the international community. Education is not only a fundamental right but also a crucial tool for building peaceful and prosperous societies. Targeting educational institutions undermines the future of nations and perpetuates cycles of violence.
The international community must prioritize the protection of education during armed conflicts. Endorsing the Safe Schools Declaration and implementing its commitments is a crucial step towards safeguarding students, educators, and educational infrastructure. Governments should review and revise their national policies and practices to ensure the protection of schools, universities, and the people within them.
Non-state armed groups also bear a responsibility to respect international norms and protect education. By refraining from attacks on education and avoiding the use of schools for military purposes, these groups can contribute to the safety and well-being of communities affected by conflict.
In addition, efforts should be made to raise awareness about the importance of education and its protection during armed conflicts. Education cannot thrive in an environment of fear and violence. By investing in education, governments and international organizations can pave the way for sustainable peace and development.
Advice for Governments and the International Community
1. Strengthen Legal Protections:
Governments should strengthen legal frameworks and policies to explicitly prohibit attacks on education and the military use of schools during armed conflicts. They should align their national laws with international humanitarian and human rights law, ensuring that those responsible for attacks on education are held accountable.
2. Invest in Conflict-Sensitive Education:
International organizations and governments should allocate resources to ensure that education systems in conflict-affected areas are conflict-sensitive. This includes training educators on conflict resolution, promoting tolerance and diversity, and providing psychosocial support to students affected by violence.
3. Enhance Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms:
Robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms should be established to document attacks on education and hold perpetrators accountable. Governments should collaborate with civil society organizations, human rights groups, and international bodies to gather accurate data and ensure transparency.
4. Promote Dialogue and Negotiation:
Diplomatic efforts should be intensified to promote dialogue and negotiation in conflict-affected regions. Facilitating peaceful resolutions to conflicts can contribute to the protection and preservation of education.
5. Support for Education in Emergency Settings:
International organizations and governments should prioritize providing access to quality education in emergency settings. Investing in the continuity of education, including through innovative approaches such as distance learning, can help mitigate the impact of conflicts on students’ learning and future prospects.
The surge in attacks on education demands urgent action to protect the rights and lives of students and educators. By taking these recommendations seriously and prioritizing the protection of education, governments and the international community can contribute to a safer and more prosperous future for all.
<< photo by rikka ameboshi >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.