A school center in Kryvyi Rih damaged by shelling. The UN calls for protecting students and educational institutions from attacks Peace and security
The start of the school year was marked for Ukraine by a series of deadly attacks, children were forced to hide in shelters, many were injured, school buildings were damaged. On the International Day for Protection from Attacks in Education, which is celebrated on September 9, the head of the UN called for ensuring safe learning conditions for all children in the world.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, 2,180 children have been killed or wounded in Ukraine. More than 1,300 educational institutions have been damaged or destroyed. These are only the figures confirmed by the UN; the real figures could be much higher.
While millions of six-year-olds around the world have started first grade, at least 45,000 of their peers in Gaza have not had the opportunity. Instead, the enclave’s young residents are huddled in tents with their parents and struggling to survive every day. Last school year, 625,000 school-age children in Gaza did not attend classes.
“Every conflict takes a terrible toll on human life. But for children and young people caught in the hell of conflict, the price they pay is incalculable,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message on the International Day for the Prevention of Attacks in Education.
The Day was established by a unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly, which called on UNESCO and UNICEF to raise awareness of the plight of millions of children living in countries experiencing conflict. The resolution proclaiming the Day was introduced by the State of Qatar and supported by 62 countries. It reaffirms that governments have the primary responsibility to ensure quality education at all levels for all learners, especially those in vulnerable situations. The resolution also stresses the need to create safe environments in schools during humanitarian emergencies.
This important day reminds us of the damage war does to the bodies, minds and spirits of young learners
Meanwhile, as the UN chief said in his message, attacks on students, teachers, education staff and schools around the world have increased sharply in recent years – not only in Ukraine and Gaza, but also in Sudan, Myanmar, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and elsewhere.
“This important day reminds us of the damage war does to the bodies, minds and spirits of young learners. The risks are enormous, including injury and death, abduction, displacement, sexual violence, recruitment to militias and lost opportunities,” warns António Guterres.
He also notes that education is not only a fundamental human right in itself, it is essential for the realization of all other rights.
“I call on all countries to invest in education and spare no effort to ensure the safety of education systems and institutions, to protect students and teachers, and to hold those responsible for attacks on education to account,” the UN Secretary-General said.