On 9th of September the UN have celebrated with an on-line event, the 2nd International Day to Protect Education from Attack under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Qatar, with the partnership of Education Above All Foundation together with the UNESCO and UNICEF offices based in Doha.
This International Day provides a unique opportunity to position the prevention and response to attacks on education in conflict on the top of the international agenda, with numerous attacks on education facilities, students and educators took place in the recent years and it is essential for the international community to take urgent measures to monitor progress and ensure accountability towards the continued, deliberate attacks on education.
As attacks on education destroy the hopes and ambitions of whole generations, this resolution aims to reaffirm the right to education. Evidence and practice have shown that the protection of this right contributes to achieving peace, security and sustainable development. This International Day provides a unique opportunity to position the prevention and response to attacks on education in conflict on the top of the international agenda. Numerous attacks on education facilities, students and educators took place in the recent years and it is essential for the international community to take urgent measures to monitor progress and ensure accountability towards the continued, deliberate attacks on education.
Since the global pandemic has had a significant impact on education, health and economic systems across the MENA region, COVID19 has shed light on other factors that disrupt the continuation of learning of children and youth, in addition to armed conflicts.
Director of UNESCO Gulf States & Yemen Dr. Anna Paolini said: Between 2015 and 2019, there were more than 11,000 reported attacks, harming more than 22,000 students and educators in at least 93 countries, schools should always remain safe spaces for teaching peace and allowing for personal development and empowerment. We should always listen to the voice of students, their expectations, aspirations and needs and continue to support them under the umbrella of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1998 (2011), which is a key tool to protect schools and students from attacks.
Ultimately, it is crucial to understand the underlying causes and role of all stakeholders to reach the best results to protect education from diverse hazards to ensure children and youth are able to continue to learn even in the hardest of times. By monitoring and analyzing data, and report on attacks on education in order to provide practical recommendations to enhance the protection of education and prevent future violations.