UNESCO urges states to implement Safe School Declaration

According to report there has been 20 pc increase in attacks compared to the previous two years

UNESCO expressed deep concern over the escalating impact of global conflicts on educational institutions on the International Day for the Protection of Education against Attack, highlighting a surge in attacks on schools and educators.

In a press statement, UNESCO reported that a study by the Global Coalition for Protecting Education from Attack, of which it is a member, recorded 6,000 attacks on students, educators and educational institutions worldwide.

It adds that among these, 1,000 involved the military use of educational institutions, averaging eight attacks per day between 2022 and 2023.

According to report there has been 20 pc increase in attacks compared to the previous two years, with more than 10,000 students and educators believed to have been affected.

It adds that  these attacks are more frequent in conflict zones, notably Myanmar, Gaza, the Middle East, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen, though all regions are affected.

The statement adds that UNESCO urges all conflict parties to adhere to UN Security Council Resolution 2601 and calls on states to implement the Safe Schools Declaration to prevent such attacks.

It further adds that UNESCO provides psychosocial support to students and teachers in conflict areas like Palestine, Sudan, and Ukraine and ensures learning continuity through distance education.