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On September 9th, we mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, a day established to highlight the severe consequences of armed conflicts on education and to call for increased efforts to safeguard schools, students, and educators worldwide.
In 2023, the world witnessed a tragic rise in violence against children in conflict zones. According to the UN Secretary-General’s Report on Children and Armed Conflict, a staggering 32,990 grave violations were verified against 22,557 children. Among these violations, 5,301 children were killed—equivalent to almost 15 children every day. The highest numbers of grave violations were reported in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, Nigeria, and Sudan.
Armed groups, including those designated as terrorists by the United Nations, were responsible for roughly 50% of these violations, while the remainder were committed by government forces and unidentified perpetrators, including through landmines and improvised explosive devices. Despite these ongoing crises, there is some hope. In 2023, more than 10,600 children previously associated with armed forces or groups received protection and reintegration support.
Background
The International Day to Protect Education from Attack was established by a unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly, in recognition of the millions of children living in countries affected by conflict. The resolution proclaiming this day was presented by the State of Qatar and co-sponsored by 62 countries. It calls on UNESCO and UNICEF to raise awareness of the plight of children whose education is disrupted by violence.
The General Assembly resolution affirms that governments have the primary responsibility to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all learners, especially those in vulnerable situations. The resolution urges governments to protect schools, students, and educational staff from attack and to ensure that children have access to education during armed conflict. This includes taking all feasible measures to create safe and protective learning environments, even in humanitarian emergencies.
Both UNESCO and UNICEF facilitate the annual observance of this day, working closely with partners in conflict-affected areas. These organizations have long been on the frontlines, assisting Member States in strengthening their capacity to provide access to quality education during times of crisis.
The Safe Schools Declaration
The Safe Schools Declaration, opened for state endorsement in Oslo, Norway, in May 2015, is a significant political commitment to better protect students, teachers, schools, and universities during armed conflict. The Declaration encourages states to adopt measures that deter the military use of schools and support the continuation of education during war. By endorsing the Declaration, states commit to restoring access to safe education and developing conflict-sensitive education systems that promote respect and harmony between different social or ethnic groups.
A Call from Roya Institute for Global Justice
At the Roya Institute for Global Justice, we firmly believe that attacks on educational institutions must be treated with the same gravity as attacks on residential areas and places of worship, as recognized under international humanitarian law. Under humanitarian law, attacks on schools and universities are officially prohibited. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols explicitly forbid attacks on civilian objects, including schools and universities. In particular, Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions (Article 52) emphasizes that attacks on civilian objects, which include educational institutions, are prohibited.
Additionally, the Safe Schools Declaration adopted in Oslo in 2015 committed countries to protecting schools and universities from military attacks and ensuring the continuation of education even during armed conflict. This declaration aims to prevent the military use of schools and provide greater protection for students and teachers in conflict zones.
As a result, attacks on schools and universities are prohibited under humanitarian law, and such actions can be prosecuted as war crimes. The Roya Institute calls on all parties involved in wars and armed conflicts to adhere to these commitments and urges international monitoring bodies, human rights organizations, and civil society activists to work diligently to hold violators accountable and seek justice. Failure to act against those attacking schools and educational institutions emboldens them and increases the likelihood of such crimes being repeated. We all have a duty to protect the sanctity of schools, universities, and research centers, and to safeguard the security and well-being of students, teachers, professors, researchers, and academic freedom.
Conclusion
The numbers are alarming, and the suffering of children in conflict zones is unimaginable. Yet, there is hope. By observing the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, we can amplify calls for stronger protection measures and more robust international laws that safeguard the future of the world’s children. Education is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. No child should be deprived of it due to the horrors of war.
Together, with global initiatives like the Safe Schools Declaration and a commitment to international humanitarian law, we can protect education and ensure that all children—regardless of where they live—have the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a more peaceful and just world. Let’s stand united in defending education and protecting the future of the next generation./