Nearly 6,000 attacks on education occurred in 2022 and 2023, marking a 20% rise compared to the previous two years, according to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA). The report, “Education Under Attack 2024,” highlights the dire consequences for over 10,000 students, teachers, and academics harmed, injured, or killed in these incidents.
HOTSPOTS OF EDUCATIONAL ATTACKS
GCPEA identified Palestine, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the most affected regions. In these areas, hundreds of schools faced threats, looting, burning, and attacks with improvised explosive devices, shelling, or airstrikes. While attacks surged in Palestine, Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine, a decrease was noted in the Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, and Mozambique.
DEVASTATING IMPACT ON EDUCATION SYSTEMS
“Education itself is under attack,” stated Lisa Chung Bender, GCPEA’s executive director. In regions like Gaza, educational infrastructure has been heavily damaged or destroyed, causing long-term social and economic setbacks. The loss of facilities leads to school and university closures, disrupting months of learning and inflicting psychological trauma on students, particularly girls and those with disabilities.
HIGH-PROFILE INCIDENTS AND REGIONAL TRENDS
In 2023, over 475 attacks on schools in Palestine were recorded, many involving air and ground strikes. Hostilities in October between Hamas-led fighters and Israeli forces led to extensive damage, with over 80% of Gaza’s schools and all universities affected by April 2024.
THE ROLE OF EXPLOSIVE WEAPONS
Explosive weapons accounted for a third of all global attacks on education in 2022 and 2023. These weapons caused significant casualties and damage, as illustrated by the June 2023 attack on El Geneina University in Sudan, where a woman was left blind in one eye.
BROADER IMPLICATIONS AND MILITARY INVOLVEMENT
Armed forces and non-state groups have been responsible for bombing, burning, and occupying schools and universities. These groups often use educational institutions for military purposes, endangering students and violating their right to education. In Nigeria, despite a decline, abductions of students and teachers continued.
TARGETING VULNERABLE GROUPS
Students in DRC, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen faced recruitment by armed groups. In Colombia, Indigenous students were notably targeted. Sexual violence in and around schools was reported in at least eight countries, including Cameroon, Niger, and South Sudan.
CONCENTRATION OF ATTACKS IN KEY REGIONS
Attacks on schools constituted more than half of all reported incidents. Ukraine and Palestine saw the highest numbers, followed by DRC, Burkina Faso, and Yemen. Ukraine faced around 700 attacks on schools since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, heavily impacting the eastern and southern regions.
INCREASE IN MILITARY USE OF SCHOOLS
The military occupation of schools and universities saw a significant rise, with over 1,000 cases reported across 30 countries. This trend reflects an increase from the 570 incidents recorded in the previous period, with notable surges in Afghanistan, Colombia, Nigeria, and Sudan.
UNIVERSITY ATTACKS
University buildings and personnel faced over 360 attacks in the past two years. A significant portion targeted university facilities, while many students and staff were injured, abducted, or killed. Over 1,700 university affiliates were detained or arrested.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND EDUCATIONAL ATTACKS
GCPEA’s research suggests a link between climate change and attacks on education. In regions like Burkina Faso and Mali, armed groups have targeted school food stores amid worsening desertification and conflict.
GLOBAL RESPONSE AND COMMITMENTS
As of May 2024, 120 countries endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, pledging to protect education during armed conflicts. This commitment includes upholding international laws and guidelines to prevent military use of educational facilities.
URGENT NEED FOR ACTION
Jerome Marston, GCPEA senior researcher, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “Schools should be safe havens, not targets.” The global community must act to protect educational institutions and ensure that students everywhere can pursue their dreams without fear.
By addressing these challenges, we can begin to restore hope and stability to communities ravaged by conflict and ensures that education remains a beacon of opportunity for all.
