Lebanon’s Education Under Threat: Clashes Endangering Children’s Future

Clashes in Lebanon Risk Disrupting Education for Thousands of Children

The Impact of Violence on Education

The recent violent clashes in Ain el-Helweh, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, have had a devastating impact on the education of thousands of children. Since armed factions occupied all eight schools in the camp run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), access to education for over 11,000 Palestinian refugee children is at risk. These factions have reportedly looted education materials and equipment, further exacerbating the disruption.

Causes of the Clashes

The clashes were sparked by the attempted assassination of Mahmoud Khalil, a member of the Islamist militant group al-Shabab al-Muslim, and the subsequent assassination of Mohammed al-Armoushi, a military general of the Palestinian faction Fatah. The violence quickly escalated, leading to significant damage to homes and infrastructure in Ain el-Helweh. The UNRWA states that the violence has already forced more than 4,000 people to flee their homes, seeking shelter in UNRWA schools and a training center outside the camp.

A Tenuous Ceasefire

While armed factions have recently left the occupied schools, a tenuous ceasefire has since been established, with the Palestinian Joint Security Forces deployed to guard the schools’ entrances as part of ceasefire negotiations. However, the fragile peace could easily be shattered, as Fatah has reportedly demanded the surrender of those responsible for al-Armoushi’s killing by the end of September. The situation remains highly volatile, and further fighting could resume at any moment.

Schools Should Not be Battlegrounds: Protecting Education

This urgent situation in Ain el-Helweh calls for immediate action from all parties involved. Schools must not be turned into battlegrounds, and the education of children should be safeguarded. Lebanon and Palestine have already joined the Safe Schools Declaration, a commitment to prioritize the protection and continuation of education in times of conflict. Armed groups must also adhere to the Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use, ensuring that educational institutions are not targeted or occupied.

International Support and Funding

In addition to local efforts, foreign donor governments play a crucial role in supporting UNRWA and the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. UNRWA has appealed for funding to aid the camp residents, as well as to secure the core budget that is essential for the functioning of its schools. Without sufficient financial support, education for Palestinian refugee children in Ain el-Helweh could be severely compromised.

Conclusion

The clashes in Ain el-Helweh have created an urgent humanitarian crisis, endangering the education of thousands of Palestinian refugee children. The violence has already caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, displacing thousands of people. While a tenuous ceasefire is currently in place, there is a real risk of further fighting. It is essential that all parties involved prioritize the protection of education and work towards a sustainable resolution. International support and funding are crucial in addressing the immediate and long-term needs of the affected communities. The children of Ain el-Helweh deserve the opportunity to go back to school and secure a better future despite the challenges they face.