International Day to Protect Education from Attack , 9th September : Safeguarding Education and Upholding the Right to Learn

International Day to Protect Education from Attack: Safeguarding Education and Upholding the Right to Learn

 

The International Day to Protect Education from Attack, observed on September 9th each year, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting education during armed conflict. This day underscores the urgent need to safeguard students, teachers, and educational institutions from violence, attacks, and the devastating impacts of armed conflicts. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020, recognizing education as a fundamental human right and a critical component of sustainable development.

This observance is a call to action for governments, international organizations, civil society, and communities to work together in safeguarding education from being used as a weapon of war. Attacks on education undermine efforts to build peaceful and prosperous societies, depriving millions of children and young people of their right to learn. The International Day to Protect Education from Attack emphasizes the need for increased global attention, stronger protections, and accountability to ensure that education continues even in the most challenging and dangerous circumstances.

The Importance of Protecting Education

Education is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for social and economic development. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to participate fully in society, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute to building peaceful communities. The right to education is enshrined in numerous international treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

However, in conflict zones around the world, this right is under constant threat. Schools, universities, and other educational facilities are often targeted by armed groups, resulting in loss of life, injuries, and the destruction of infrastructure. Students and teachers are frequently caught in the crossfire, facing threats of abduction, sexual violence, and recruitment into armed forces. These attacks not only disrupt learning but also have long-term consequences for individuals and societies, perpetuating cycles of violence, instability, and poverty.

Protecting education from attack is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. Education provides a pathway to recovery and resilience in conflict-affected areas, fostering social cohesion and creating opportunities for future generations. By safeguarding education, we invest in peace, security, and development.

 

The Global Crisis: Attacks on Education in Conflict Zones

Attacks on education are a widespread and alarming issue affecting millions of children and young people worldwide. According to reports by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), more than 9,000 attacks on education were reported between 2015 and 2019, impacting over 93 countries. These attacks take various forms, including the bombing of schools, abduction of students and educators, occupation of educational facilities by armed groups, and targeted killings of teachers and students.

Key Examples of Attacks on Education:

• Middle East and North Africa: In countries like Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, educational institutions have been heavily targeted during armed conflicts. Schools have been bombed, and children have been killed or maimed while trying to access education. In Syria alone, hundreds of schools have been damaged or destroyed during the ongoing conflict, severely disrupting the education system.

• Sub-Saharan Africa: In Nigeria, attacks on education by Boko Haram have been particularly devastating. The group's name itself translates to "Western education is forbidden," reflecting its anti-education ideology. The abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014 and repeated attacks on schools in northern Nigeria have highlighted the dangers faced by students in conflict zones.

• South Asia: In Afghanistan and Pakistan, schools, especially those educating girls, have been frequent targets of violent attacks. The Taliban and other armed groups have bombed schools, attacked teachers, and issued threats to prevent children, particularly girls, from attending school.

• Latin America: In Colombia, ongoing conflict between government forces, paramilitary groups, and guerrillas has led to schools being occupied and used as bases by armed groups. Teachers and students have been threatened, killed, or forcibly recruited into armed groups.

These attacks not only disrupt the immediate learning environment but also create a climate of fear and insecurity that discourages parents from sending their children to school. In many cases, the psychological impact of these attacks leaves deep scars, affecting students' ability to concentrate, learn, and participate in educational activities.

Impact of Attacks on Education

The consequences of attacks on education are profound and far-reaching, affecting not only the individual students and educators involved but also entire communities and nations. The impact can be categorized into several key areas:

• Educational Disruption: When schools are attacked, learning is interrupted, sometimes permanently. Students miss critical learning opportunities, fall behind in their studies, and may eventually drop out. In conflict-affected areas, the infrastructure of education is often so damaged that it becomes difficult to restore normalcy, even after the conflict subsides.

• Psychological Trauma: Exposure to violence, abduction, and the destruction of schools can have severe psychological effects on students and educators. Many children experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can hinder their ability to learn and participate in school activities. The fear of further attacks often prevents children from returning to school, even if the immediate threat has passed.

• Gender Inequality: Attacks on education disproportionately affect girls, who are often specifically targeted in conflict zones. In many cultures, when education becomes dangerous, families are more likely to withdraw girls from school, reinforcing existing gender inequalities. Girls who are abducted or subjected to sexual violence face additional stigma and barriers to continuing their education.

• Economic and Social Consequences: The long-term economic impact of disrupted education is significant. Individuals who are denied education have limited employment opportunities, perpetuating poverty and hindering national economic growth. Communities with high levels of uneducated youth are more vulnerable to social instability and continued cycles of violence.

• Erosion of Social Cohesion: Education is a powerful tool for building social cohesion and fostering understanding among diverse groups. Attacks on education disrupt this process, contributing to social fragmentation and weakening efforts to build inclusive, peaceful societies. When education is under attack, the values of tolerance, respect, and dialogue that schools promote are also undermined.

The Legal Framework: Protecting Education in Conflict Zones

International humanitarian law (IHL), also known as the law of armed conflict, provides legal protections for education during times of war. Schools and universities are considered civilian objects and are protected from attack unless they are being used for military purposes. However, the reality on the ground often diverges from these legal protections.

Key International Legal Instruments:

• The Geneva Conventions and Their Additional Protocols: These treaties form the core of international humanitarian law and explicitly prohibit attacks on civilians, including students and educational facilities, during armed conflict. They also protect teachers and students from being targeted and prohibit the military use of schools.

• United Nations Security Council Resolutions: Several UN Security Council resolutions address the protection of education during armed conflict. Resolution 1998, adopted in 2011, explicitly condemns attacks on schools and hospitals, calling for parties to conflict to respect and protect educational institutions.

• The Safe Schools Declaration: Launched in 2015, the Safe Schools Declaration is an intergovernmental commitment to protect education during armed conflict. By endorsing the declaration, states commit to implementing guidelines that restrict the military use of schools, protect educational facilities, and support efforts to investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks.

• The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC): The ICC's Rome Statute includes provisions that classify intentional attacks on educational facilities as war crimes. This legal framework provides a mechanism for holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Despite these legal frameworks, accountability for attacks on education remains a significant challenge. Perpetrators are rarely brought to justice, and violations often go unreported. Strengthening accountability mechanisms and ensuring that those who target education are held responsible is crucial for deterring future attacks.

Global Efforts to Protect Education

The International Day to Protect Education from Attack serves as a rallying point for global action. Various international organizations, governments, and civil society groups are working to address this crisis through advocacy, education, and on-the-ground support. Key initiatives include:

• Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns: Advocacy efforts aim to raise global awareness about the impact of attacks on education and push for stronger protections. Organizations like UNICEF, UNESCO, and the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) lead campaigns that highlight the urgent need to safeguard education in conflict zones.

• Policy Development and Implementation: Governments are encouraged to adopt and implement policies that protect education from attack. This includes endorsing international agreements like the Safe Schools Declaration and integrating its guidelines into national legislation and military protocols.

• Monitoring and Reporting: Monitoring and reporting attacks on education are crucial for understanding the scale of the problem and holding perpetrators accountable. The United Nations Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) on grave violations against children in conflict tracks incidents involving attacks on schools, providing critical data for advocacy and intervention.

• Community-Based Protection: In conflict-affected areas, local communities often play a key role in protecting education. Community-based protection strategies include creating safe spaces for learning, involving parents in school security, and negotiating with armed groups to respect the civilian status of schools.

• Support for Affected Students and Educators: Providing psychosocial support, trauma counseling, and educational materials to students and educators affected by attacks is essential for helping them recover and continue learning. Initiatives that offer safe learning environments, such as temporary learning spaces and distance education, help mitigate the impact of conflict on education.

The Role of Education in Peacebuilding and Recovery

Education plays a critical role in peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery. It provides a sense of normalcy and hope for children living in conflict zones, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives and envision a better future. Schools can serve as safe spaces where children learn not only academic skills but also values of tolerance, respect, and coexistence.

In post-conflict settings, education helps communities heal and rebuild. It fosters social cohesion by bringing together students from different backgrounds and promoting understanding. Education also provides skills and knowledge that are vital for economic recovery and development, empowering individuals to contribute to rebuilding their communities.

Investment in education in conflict-affected areas is an investment in peace. By protecting education and ensuring that all children have access to safe and quality learning opportunities, we lay the foundation for a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Conclusion

The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is a powerful reminder of the critical need to safeguard the right to education in times of conflict. Attacks on education undermine the fundamental principles of human rights, disrupt lives, and hinder the progress of societies. Protecting education is not only about preserving the physical spaces where learning occurs but also about upholding the hopes and dreams of millions of children and young people worldwide.

On this day, we are called to action to advocate for stronger protections, hold perpetrators accountable, and support those affected by violence. By working together, we can ensure that education remains a beacon of hope, even in the darkest times, and that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a brighter future.

Share this

Earthisone