Beyond attacks, various social, economic, and cultural obstacles also hinder access to education.
Beyond attacks, various social, economic, and cultural obstacles also hinder access to education.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over escalating threats to education.
During the International Day to Protect Education from Attack event, Guterres called on global leaders to take swift action to ensure the availability of quality education.
“Children’s education is being snatched away by threats, violence and attacks,” said Guterres in his speech.
Attacks on education
A recent report from the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack revealed that in 2022, there were more than 3,000 reported attacks on educational institutions, marking a troubling 17 percent increase from the previous year. The report also revealed that over 6,700 students and educators suffered casualties, reflecting a 20 percent increase.
Secretary-General Guterres underscored the diverse nature of these attacks, which encompassed direct assaults on educational institutions, their military utilization, and the abduction, arrest, injury, and, in some tragic cases, the loss of life of students and educators.
As a grim example, in war-torn Ukraine, some children commenced the school year by attending classes underground to ensure their safety.
Call to protect education
“We cannot always stop conflicts. But we can ensure that the children and young people living through these crises receive the educational support they need,” said the UN chief.
The United Nations has outlined a strategy for nations to safeguard education, commencing with the endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration. This declaration delineates concrete measures to protect educational spaces during armed conflicts.
In addition to attacks, various social, economic, and cultural barriers impede access to education. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), approximately 244 million young people worldwide are currently out of school, with sub-Saharan Africa and Central/Southern Asia registering the highest numbers.
Brighter future
The UN reiterated the pivotal role of education in forging a brighter future and global peace.
In the United States, the government is actively advancing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, focusing on investments in mental health, prevention of gun violence, and enhancing access to mental health services. The act places particular emphasis on school safety and addressing the national mental health crisis.
Furthermore, the US has launched a back-to-school safety awareness campaign, leveraging SchoolSafety.gov to provide resources and best practices for bolstering school safety. This initiative targets administrators, educators, parents, guardians, and government officials, reaffirming the commitment to safeguarding educational environments.
