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.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. Over 14,500 reports of attacks on education or military use of educational facilities were recorded worldwide between 2017 and 2022, according to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA). More than 28,000 students, teachers, and academics were injured, killed, or harmed in such attacks carried out in situations of armed conflict or insecurity. The International Day to Protect Education from Attack on 9 September is an occasion to raise awareness about the pressing issue of attacks on schools, students, education personnel and teachers worldwide. It serves as a reminder that children and youth continue to face conflict, violence and disruption to their education, undermining their right to learn and thrive in a peaceful and nurturing environment. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #9september, #AttacksonEducation, #ProtectEducationfromattack.
EVENTS: The United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UNHCR, the OHCHR, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG), the United Nations Peackeeping will held a webinar on September 9th to mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2023.
A week-long commemoration
This year's main High-Level Observance of the fourth International Day is co-organized by UNESCO, the State of Qatar, Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, UNICEF, and the United Nations Department of Global Communications, will take place on 13 September 2023, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This event is part of a week-long commemoration dedicated to galvanizing action to safeguard education, focusing on the theme of "Justice for Victims".
The event will gather global leaders, stakeholders, teachers and victims of attacks on education. Together, they will call for the protection of education and "Justice for Victims", centering discussions around accountability for attacks on education.
Throughout the week, UNESCO will join partners in the commemoration of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack with different events all contributing to the theme of "Justice for Victims" and amplifying youth voices.
On 11 September 2023, in parallel with the 54th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva will host a high-level commemoration at the Palais des Nations. The event will delve into actionable steps to prevent and mitigate the devastating impact of attacks on education. A key focus will be the endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, an international political commitment aimed at protecting education in conflict situations.
In Doha, on 13 September 2023, a panel discussion co-organized by Qatar, EAA, UNESCO and UNICEF will explore strategies to amplify the voices of youth in the Protecting Education from Attack agenda. Discourse in Doha will also focus on justice mechanisms for survivors of attacks on education and the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed forces or armed groups.
Following the High-Level Observance in New York, on 14 September 2023, United Nations Peacebuilding Commission will organize a special event focusing on education’s role in building peace within the framework of the ongoing revision of UNESCO’s 1974 recommendation concerning education for international understanding, co-operation and peace and education relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms
Statement from the United NationsSecretary General for International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2023, September 9th.
Education is not only a fundamental human right, but a pathway to a better future for every person, and a more peaceful, understanding world.
On the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, we shine a light on a startling truth: 224 million children and young people are in urgent need of educational support — including 72 million who are out-of-school altogether — because of crises like armed conflict.
Attacks on students, teachers, educational personnel and schools are becoming all-too-common, cruelly disrupting young learners’ education and inflicting untold psychological and physical damage that can last a lifetime.
I call on all countries to ensure the protection of schools, children and teachers at all times.
I also urge all countries to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration, support the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, and join the Global Initiative: Partnership for Transformative Actions in Crisis Situations that brings together partners to ensure children and young people can keep learning in times of crisis.
Together, we can ensure that schools are havens of safety and learning for every child, no matter where they live.
On 11 September 2023, in parallel with the 54th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva will host a high-level commemoration at the Palais des Nations. The event will delve into actionable steps to prevent and mitigate the devastating impact of attacks on education. A key focus will be the endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, an international political commitment aimed at protecting education in conflict situations.
In Doha, on 13 September 2023, a panel discussion co-organized by Qatar, EAA, UNESCO and UNICEF will explore strategies to amplify the voices of youth in the Protecting Education from Attack agenda. Discourse in Doha will also focus on justice mechanisms for survivors of attacks on education and the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed forces or armed groups.
Following the High-Level Observance in New York, on 14 September 2023, United Nations Peacebuilding Commission will organize a special event focusing on education’s role in building peace within the framework of the ongoing revision of UNESCO’s 1974 recommendation concerning education for international understanding, co-operation and peace and education relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms
Statement from the United NationsSecretary General for International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2023, September 9th.
Education is not only a fundamental human right, but a pathway to a better future for every person, and a more peaceful, understanding world.
On the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, we shine a light on a startling truth: 224 million children and young people are in urgent need of educational support — including 72 million who are out-of-school altogether — because of crises like armed conflict.
Attacks on students, teachers, educational personnel and schools are becoming all-too-common, cruelly disrupting young learners’ education and inflicting untold psychological and physical damage that can last a lifetime.
I call on all countries to ensure the protection of schools, children and teachers at all times.
I also urge all countries to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration, support the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, and join the Global Initiative: Partnership for Transformative Actions in Crisis Situations that brings together partners to ensure children and young people can keep learning in times of crisis.
Together, we can ensure that schools are havens of safety and learning for every child, no matter where they live.
António Guterres.
PUBLICATIONS:
What can be done to better protect women and girls from attack on education and millitary use of educational institution?
UNESCO’s commitment to protecting education from attack
UNESCO plays a crucial role in advocating for the protection of education from attack and works to address the challenges associated with attacks on education worldwide.
At the global level, UNESCO joins partners to gather and disseminate data and information about attacks on education, notably through the Track Attacks on Education (TRACE) Data Portal. UNESCO also advocates the protection of education at the policy level, working closely with governments and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies and frameworks that safeguard schools, students, and educators.
UNESCO is also working on the ground in response to emergencies and protracted crisis. In Ukraine, since 24 February 2022, approximately 10% of all education institutions - a total of 3,758 - have been damaged or destroyed. Working closely with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, UNESCO is contributing to the creation of a safe and inclusive learning environment by enhancing educational infrastructures and strengthening capacity to deliver Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. In South Sudan, afflicted by civil conflict and communal violence, UNESCO is leveraging youth actions to reduce violence, enhance social cohesion and foster peace. Young people are provided with the chance to acquire emotional self-regulation skills, together with literacy, livelihoods, and vocational training to participate in social and economic activities as well as the decision-making process in their communities.
UNESCO plays a crucial role in advocating for the protection of education from attack and works to address the challenges associated with attacks on education worldwide.
At the global level, UNESCO joins partners to gather and disseminate data and information about attacks on education, notably through the Track Attacks on Education (TRACE) Data Portal. UNESCO also advocates the protection of education at the policy level, working closely with governments and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies and frameworks that safeguard schools, students, and educators.
UNESCO is also working on the ground in response to emergencies and protracted crisis. In Ukraine, since 24 February 2022, approximately 10% of all education institutions - a total of 3,758 - have been damaged or destroyed. Working closely with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, UNESCO is contributing to the creation of a safe and inclusive learning environment by enhancing educational infrastructures and strengthening capacity to deliver Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. In South Sudan, afflicted by civil conflict and communal violence, UNESCO is leveraging youth actions to reduce violence, enhance social cohesion and foster peace. Young people are provided with the chance to acquire emotional self-regulation skills, together with literacy, livelihoods, and vocational training to participate in social and economic activities as well as the decision-making process in their communities.
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