Education systems worldwide faced a grim reality in 2022 and 2023. A new study by UNESCO reveals a staggering 6,000 attacks on students, educators, and educational institutions globally—an average of 8 attacks per day. This represents a 20% rise from the previous two years, signaling a growing crisis in the safety of education. Over 10,000 students and educators were believed to be victims during this period.
COUNTRIES MOST AFFECTED BY ATTACKS ON EDUCATION
Several countries bore the brunt of these attacks. Palestine, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Myanmar were particularly hard-hit. Schools in these regions were looted, burned, and shelled, while some were targeted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and airstrikes.
Impact On Palestine And Ukraine
In Palestine, hundreds of schools were threatened or damaged, with shelling being a common occurrence. Ukraine also saw a sharp rise in attacks, with educational institutions hit by bombings and military strikes as the conflict continued to rage.
The Democratic Republic Of The Congo And Myanmar
In the DRC, insurgents targeted schools, often using them as military bases or destroying them to disrupt education. Myanmar’s educational institutions were similarly devastated, facing an onslaught of looting and bombings, forcing many schools to close their doors.
COUNTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CASUALTIES
While Palestine and Ukraine faced high numbers of attacks, other countries reported the most casualties among students and educators. India, Pakistan, Palestine, and Afghanistan saw the highest rates of people harmed or killed in these attacks.
Pakistan and Afghanistan: Education in Peril
In Pakistan, militant groups targeted both students and teachers, often leading to fatalities or severe injuries. Afghanistan’s struggles continued as girls and women were specifically targeted, with schools being bombed or closed to prevent their education.
CASUALTIES IN TRANSIT
In some instances, students and educators were harmed while traveling to or from school, making the journey itself a dangerous endeavor. This was particularly common in countries such as Sudan, Syria, and Nigeria, where insurgent groups frequently targeted educational travelers.
OCCUPATION OF SCHOOLS BY ARMED FORCES
One of the most alarming trends observed was the military occupation of educational institutions. In over 30 countries, armed forces and non-state actors used schools and universities for non-educational purposes. These institutions were repurposed as military bases, barracks, or weapon storage facilities.
1,000 Cases of Military Use
UNESCO’s study recorded over 1,000 incidents where schools and universities were used for military purposes in 2022 and 2023. This rise in military occupation not only disrupted education but also made these institutions targets for further attacks.
Countries with the Highest Military Occupation of Schools
Palestine, Ukraine, and Myanmar were among the nations where this trend was most pronounced. Armed groups used schools as strategic positions, further endangering students and educators.
TARGETED GROUPS: GIRLS, WOMEN, AND VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES
The report highlights how certain groups were uniquely affected by these attacks. Girls and women, in particular, faced gender-based violence aimed at restricting their access to education.
Attacks on Female Education
Countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan saw attacks targeting female students and teachers. In these regions, extremist groups used violence to deter women from pursuing education. Schools for girls were bombed or set ablaze, and teachers were often threatened or attacked.
Vulnerable Communities Face Greater Risks
In addition to gender-based attacks, students with disabilities, LGBT students, and those from Indigenous or ethnic minority communities were at a higher risk. These groups faced heightened vulnerabilities, with attacks often targeting their communities specifically.
INCREASING USE OF EXPLOSIVE WEAPONS IN ATTACKS ON EDUCATION
Another key finding of the UNESCO study was the growing use of explosive weapons in attacks on educational institutions. In 2022-2023, around one-third of all attacks involved airstrikes, rockets, artillery shelling, or IEDs.
Countries Affected by Explosive Weapons
Countries like Colombia, Myanmar, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen experienced the most significant impact from explosive attacks. Educational facilities were destroyed, and countless students and educators were injured or killed in these violent incidents.
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Landmines
In several conflict zones, insurgent groups increasingly used IEDs and landmines to target schools. These explosive devices not only caused widespread destruction but also left long-lasting dangers for children returning to school after the attacks.
POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN SOME REGIONS
Despite the overall rise in attacks, some countries reported a decrease in violence against educational institutions. The Central African Republic (CAR), Libya, Mali, and Mozambique all saw a decline in attacks during 2022 and 2023.
Shifts in Conflict Dynamics
These reductions were attributed to shifts in conflict dynamics, including ceasefires, peace agreements, or de-escalation of hostilities in these regions. While education remains at risk, these changes offer a glimmer of hope for the future.
GLOBAL RESPONSE: PROTECTING EDUCATION FROM ATTACK
The increasing violence against education has prompted global efforts to address the crisis. International organizations, governments, and NGOs are working together to implement measures aimed at protecting students and educators from harm.
The Safe Schools Declaration
One significant initiative is the Safe Schools Declaration, a global commitment to protect education during armed conflict. As of 2023, over 100 countries have endorsed this declaration, pledging to take concrete steps to safeguard educational institutions from military use and attacks.
UNESCO’s Role in Monitoring and Reporting
UNESCO plays a crucial role in monitoring these attacks and raising awareness. Through detailed reporting and advocacy, the organization aims to mobilize global action and secure safer learning environments for all.
