UNESCO Raises Alarm Over Growing Attacks on Education Amid Global Conflicts

In response, UNESCO is providing psychosocial support to students and teachers in conflict-affected areas like Palestine, Sudan, and Ukraine.

On the International Day for the Protection of Education against Attack, UNESCO has voiced grave concern over the increasing impact of conflicts on education worldwide. Attacks on educational institutions, students, and educators have surged, with a 20% increase in recorded incidents between 2022 and 2023. A study by the Global Coalition for Protecting Education from Attack, of which UNESCO is a member, documented 6,000 attacks globally, including 1,000 cases of military use of schools, affecting over 10,000 students and educators.

Countries such as Myanmar, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen have experienced the most frequent attacks, largely due to ongoing armed conflicts. UNESCO has called on all parties to adhere to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601, which emphasizes the protection of education in conflict zones. The organization also urges all states to implement the Safe Schools Declaration to prevent such attacks.

In response, UNESCO is providing psychosocial support to students and teachers in conflict-affected areas like Palestine, Sudan, and Ukraine. To maintain access to education when schools are unsafe, the organization offers alternative solutions such as distance learning, teacher training in digital pedagogies, and the use of media for educational content. Additionally, UNESCO is working to improve data collection on attacks to strengthen preventive measures.