The global community needs to say with one voice that “attacks on schools must stop”, the UN chief urged a virtual event on Thursday commemorating the International Day to Protect Education from Attack.
“Schools must be places of learning, safety and peace”, he said, lauding education as not only providing knowledge and skills but also transforming lives and driving development for people, communities and for societies.
Nevertheless, he added, “year after year, this fundamental right comes under attack”.
Tweet URL
Stretching the imagination
The top UN official encouraged the participants to imagine being a child in a classroom eager to learn, or a teacher dedicated to shaping the minds of the next generation.
“Now imagine the horrors inflicted by conflict on learning”, he said, painting a picture of schools being targeted, destroyed – or used for military purposes – and of children facing violence, exploitation, even being recruited to fight – simply because they want to study.
‘Incalculable’ loss
The Secretary-General cited the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack in revealing that between 2015 and 2020, over 13,000 reports of strikes on education, or the military use of educational facilities, had been recorded around the world.
“And this threat is not lessening – as the horrifying events in Afghanistan are showing us so starkly”, he said.
Mr. Guterres reminded that these are not numbers on a page, but thousands of individual lives and individual futures.
“The loss is incalculable”, he stated.
Go beyond commitments
The UN called on all countries who have not yet done so, to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration – an inter-governmental political commitment to protect students, teachers, schools, and universities, from the worst effects of armed conflict.
Endorsed by 111 States to date, the Declaration outlines concrete steps for governments to protect schools and learning.
“We urge Member States to go beyond their commitments under international law and put in place national policies and laws that protect schools and learners”, said the UN chief.
He flagged the need to “hold perpetrators accountable” by making attacks on schools “unacceptable and punished” in every country and jurisdiction, the world over.
Support international protections
Finally, the UN chief called for increased global support for the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), who are “working around the clock” to protect education, students, teachers and schools in some of the most dangerous places around the world.
While great strides have been made in recent years, more must be done to protect the right to education for all, he upheld.
“As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I am proud to stand with you in this important effort. Because when we protect education, we protect the future”, he concluded.
© UNRWA/Kazem Abu Khalaf
Students wear face masks at a school in the Far’a refugee camp in the West Bank.
Name the day
In May 2020, the UN General Assembly established the day by a unanimous decision, calling on UNESCO and UNICEF to raise awareness of the plight of millions of children living in countries affected by conflict.
The resolution affirmed that Governments have the primary responsibility to provide protection and ensure “inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels to all learners, especially those in vulnerable situations”.
Moreover, it emphasized the need to intensify efforts and increase funding to promote safe and protective school environments in humanitarian emergencies.
Lila Montgomery is a celebrated journalist who has a deep commitment to global affairs and humanitarian issues. Her extensive reporting on United Nations initiatives across the globe has brought critical stories to the forefront, stories that affect communities everywhere.
“Protecting education means we protect the future,” the UN chief’s words resonate deeply. It is crucial that we unite and say with one voice that attacks on schools must stop. Schools should be safe havens for learning, not battlegrounds. Education is the key to transforming lives and driving development. We must ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow in peace.”
Education is the foundation of a society. It is heartbreaking to hear that schools are under attack year after year. We must prioritize protecting education to ensure a better future for all. Imagine the impact on children and teachers caught in conflicts – the loss is incalculable.
“Schools must be places of learning, safety and peace”, she said, lauding education as not only providing knowledge and skills but also transforming lives and driving development for people, communities, and for societies. Nevertheless, she added, “year after year, this fundamental right comes under attack”. The top UN official encouraged the participants to imagine being a child in a classroom eager to learn, or a teacher dedicated to shaping the minds of the next generation. “Now imagine the horrors inflicted by conflict on learning”, she said, painting a picture of schools being targeted, destroyed – or used for military purposes – and of children facing violence, exploitation, even being recruited to fight – simply because they want to study.
“This is a crucial cause that demands immediate attention. Education should always be a safe haven for our children to learn and grow. No child should ever have to fear for their life while trying to gain knowledge.”
Do you think enough is being done to protect education in conflict zones?
As someone who has reported on education in conflict zones for years, I believe more can and should be done to protect schools and ensure a safe learning environment. Advocating for the protection of education is crucial for nurturing the future generations and promoting global peace. It is a collective responsibility that demands continuous effort and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.
Do you think enough is being done to prevent attacks on schools and ensure a safe learning environment for children worldwide?
Society needs to come together and prioritize the protection of schools and the safety of students. It is imperative that concrete actions are taken to prevent these attacks and create a secure learning environment for children globally.
Do you think enough is being done to prevent attacks on schools and protect education worldwide?
As someone who values education deeply, I believe more proactive measures should be taken to prevent attacks on schools and safeguard education globally. The future of our societies depends on nurturing a safe and peaceful environment for learning, and it is imperative that we prioritize the protection of educational institutions to ensure a better future for all. Let’s unite in advocating for the right to education and work towards creating a world where every child can learn without fear or threat. #ProtectEducation
“I agree with the UN chief – attacks on schools must stop. Schools should indeed be safe havens for learning and growth. It’s heartbreaking to see education under constant threat. We must prioritize protecting our children’s right to education.”
Do you think enough is being done to prevent attacks on schools and protect the students and teachers in conflict areas?
How can we ensure that actions are taken to stop these attacks on schools and protect education for children in conflict zones?