Discover why protecting Protect Education from Attack during armed conflicts is vital and the alarming statistics that demand international action.
Protect Education from Attack
Education, a fundamental human right, is often silenced by the noise of armed conflicts. In this article, we delve into the significance of safeguarding education during crises, the consequences of attacks on education, and the urgent need for global action.
Armed conflicts: When the noise of guns silences education
Education is a fundamental human right. For children and youth caught up in emergency situations, education not only means the continuity of learning, but it also provides a sense of normalcy and the key to a different future, alerts the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Importance of Education in Crisis
With the knowledge, skills, and support gained through education, generations survive crises and lead the world toward a sustainable future. This is particularly true for vulnerable groups, including girls, migrants, refugees, and people with disabilities, among others.
Education Should Be Safe Havens
Places of education should be safe havens for children, students, and education personnel. However, all too often they, and the places wherein they learn, become either direct targets or collateral damage in conflict-affected contexts.
The Consequences of Attacks on Education
Attacks on education can have serious, long-term physical and psychological repercussions for students and teachers. Attacks can suspend teaching and learning, lead to a significant increase in dropout rates, and prevent students from accessing their right to quality education.
Lack of International Consensus on Child Protection
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG), Virginia Gamba, recently explained that “the disregard for the protection of civilian infrastructures, such as schools and hospitals, often translated by a lack of distinction between civilian and military targets and/or continued military use by warring parties is deeply troubling”.
The Urgent Need for Action
Ms. Gamba added that “we urgently need bold and resolute action. We must build on the international consensus on child protection and rally behind the instruments that have already been agreed upon widely as well as the respect of international law. I urge all of you to embrace peace and peaceful resolution of conflicts, which remains the only sustainable way to reduce and prevent violations against children”.
Rehabilitating Schools in Gaza
141 schools were damaged during an escalation of conflict in Gaza, back in May 2021. As UNICEF works to rehabilitate schools, the services children rely on must be protected.
Background
The day was established by a unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly, calling on UNESCO and UNICEF to raise awareness of the plight of millions of children living in countries affected by conflict. The resolution proclaiming the Day was presented by the State of Qatar and co-sponsored by 62 countries.
The General Assembly resolution affirms 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. It further emphasizes the need to intensify efforts and increase funding to promote safe and protective school environments in humanitarian emergencies by taking all feasible measures to protect schools, learners, and educational personnel from attack, refrain from actions that impede children’s access to education, and facilitate access to education in situations of armed conflict.
UNESCO and UNICEF’s Role
UNESCO and UNICEF will facilitate the annual observance of the Day in close collaboration with partners within and outside the UN system. Working on the frontlines in conflict-affected countries, the UN entities have long assisted Member States in strengthening their capacity to provide access to quality educational opportunities for all in times of crisis.
Alarming Statistics
Did you know?
- In 2022, children continued to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict, and the number affected by grave violations increased compared with 2021.
- From January to December 2022, there was a 112 per cent increase in attacks on schools and hospitals, particularly in Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Israel, the State of Palestine, Myanmar, Mali, and Afghanistan.
- In Afghanistan, the UN verified 95 attacks (72 on schools; 23 on hospitals), including attacks on protected persons.
- While non-state armed groups were responsible for 50 per cent of grave violations, government forces were the main perpetrators of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access.
- Among the factors having the most severe impact was the use of explosive weapons, notably in populated areas, such as Gaza, the Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine, and Yemen, which led to greater child casualties and damaged schools and hospitals.
The Safe Schools Declaration
The Safe Schools Declaration was opened for state endorsement in Oslo, Norway, in May 2015. It is a political commitment to better protect students, teachers, schools, and universities during armed conflict, to support the continuation of education during war, and to put in place concrete measures to deter the military use of schools. By endorsing the Declaration, States commit to restoring access to safe education and to developing education systems that are conflict-sensitive and promote respect between social or ethnic groups.
Children and Armed Conflict
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict serves as the leading UN advocate for the protection and well-being of children affected by armed conflict. Attacks against schools are one of ‘six grave violations’ that warrant listing governments or armed groups in the annual report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict presented to the Security Council. Others are killing and maiming of children; recruitment or use of children as soldiers; sexual violence against children; abduction of children; and denial of humanitarian access.
Conclusion
The International Day to Protect Education from Attack, observed on 9 September, serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding education during times of conflict. It’s not just a matter of protecting infrastructure; it’s about safeguarding the future of generations. The alarming statistics demonstrate the urgency of concerted international efforts to ensure that education remains a priority, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Also Read Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
FAQs
What is the International Day to Protect Education from Attack?
The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is observed on 9 September to raise awareness about the need to safeguard education during armed conflicts.
Why is protecting education during conflict crucial?
Education provides a sense of normalcy and hope for a better future for children and youth caught up in emergency situations.
What is the Safe Schools Declaration?
The Safe Schools Declaration is a commitment to protect students, teachers, schools, and universities during armed conflict and promote respect for education.
Who leads the advocacy for children affected by armed conflict?
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict is the leading UN advocate for the protection and well-being of such children.
What are the main violations against children in armed conflict?
The main violations include attacks on schools, killing and maiming of children, recruitment or use of children as soldiers, sexual violence against children, abduction of children, and denial of humanitarian access.
Remember, education is not just a right; it’s a lifeline for a better future, and it’s our collective
Stay Updated | International Day to Protect Education from Attack
- Follow us on Facebook , Telegram and Twitter for the latest Education News updates and Daily Current Affairs
- Subscribe to our website for more updates on upcoming exams and results.
- Thank you for reading. Let’s safeguard education together(Protect Education from Attack). Subscribe for more updates. #ProtectEducation #EducationMatters
