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In a world marked by war, occupation, and humanitarian crises, education is among the first casualties. That is why the United Nations has designated September 9 as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack—a moment to reflect on the vital role of education as the backbone of peace, dignity, and the reconstruction of societies.
In May 2015, the Safe Schools Declaration was opened for endorsement in Oslo, Norway. This political commitment calls on states to better protect students, teachers, schools, and universities during armed conflict; to support the continuation of education during war; and to implement concrete measures to prevent the military use of educational institutions. By endorsing the Declaration, states pledge to develop education systems that are conflict-sensitive and grounded in respect and inclusion across social and ethnic lines.
While this declaration offered hope for global accountability, tragically, attacks on education have continued—and, in some regions, intensified.
One of the most heartbreaking examples is the situation in Gaza, where unrelenting military assaults have not spared the academic and scientific sector. According to credible reports, at least 12 universities and higher education institutions have been completely or significantly destroyed, including but not limited to:
- The Islamic University of Gaza
- Al-Azhar University – Gaza
- University College of Applied Sciences
The destruction of libraries, laboratories, and classrooms represents far more than material loss. It is the erasure of generations of potential, intellectual capacity, and national development. Professors and students who were once building futures are now displaced, martyred, or traumatized.
Some Shocking Facts:
- In 2024, grave violations against children rose sharply.
- 44% of the increase was due to attacks on schools, and 34% due to rape.
- Overall, there was a 17% increase in children suffering severe violations, including abduction, recruitment, and sexual violence.
- The countries with the highest numbers of violations were:
- Israel & Occupied Palestinian Territory: 8,554
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: 4,043
- Somalia: 2,568
- Nigeria: 2,436
- Haiti: 2,269
- Non-state armed groups were responsible for ~50% of violations.
- Government forces were the main perpetrators of child killings, school/hospital attacks, and denial of humanitarian aid.
- Cases of children subjected to multiple violations rose from 2,684 (2023) to 3,137 (2024) — showing brutal escalation.
- Sexual violence cases increased 35%, with a shocking rise in gang rape.
- Denial of humanitarian access reached record levels, with more humanitarian workers (including UN staff) killed in 2024 than ever before.
According to United Nations data, over 5,300 attacks on education were recorded worldwide between 2020 and 2022, resulting in the deaths or injuries of more than 9,600 students and teachers. Girls’ education has been particularly affected, with many attacks specifically targeting girls’ schools and female students, undermining decades of progress in educational equity.
On this day, the UN urges the global community to:
- Hold perpetrators accountable
- Strengthen legal and practical protections for education
- Provide psychological, technical, and financial support to affected communities
At Roya Institute, we echo this urgent call and firmly declare:
Education must never be a military target.
Education is a fundamental human right.
Education is the foundation of dignity, recovery, and the awakening of nations.
Let us raise our voices together to defend educational institutions everywhere—from Gaza to Sudan, from Yemen to Afghanistan. To protect education is not only a humanitarian act, but also a moral and spiritual responsibility.