The world is witnessing a disturbing trend: a 40% surge in attacks on education, with devastating consequences for students and staff. This alarming statistic, revealed by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), paints a grim picture of a global crisis unfolding before our eyes.
What makes this issue even more concerning is the sheer scale of the problem. In 2024 and 2025 alone, over 8,556 incidents were recorded, resulting in the tragic harm or loss of 10,600 individuals. These attacks are not isolated incidents but a global phenomenon, with schools and universities becoming targets in 83 countries.
The regions bearing the brunt of this crisis are deeply troubling. Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Palestine, and Ukraine have seen the highest incidences, with Ukraine experiencing a staggering 900 attacks on schools and Palestine facing at least 2,400 incidents targeting students and staff.
One of the most disturbing aspects of these attacks is the increasing involvement of military forces and armed groups. The study reveals that cases of military occupation of educational institutions have nearly doubled, with 1,912 recorded instances. This trend highlights the growing danger posed to students and staff, as schools and universities are no longer safe havens.
The impact on vulnerable groups is particularly devastating. Women and girls are targeted in at least 11 countries due to their gender, as exemplified by the horrific attack on a girls' boarding school in Nigeria, where the vice-principal was killed, and 25 female pupils were abducted. Students with disabilities also face unique challenges, as evidenced by the destruction of a school for children with special needs in Lebanon using high explosives.
The use of high explosives, including drone-borne munitions, is a recurring theme in these attacks, causing extensive casualties and damage to infrastructure. This tactic not only destroys educational institutions but also forces many to close, disrupting the lives of countless students.
The situation is further exacerbated by the weakening of the multilateral system and political impunity for war crimes. States acting without fear of sanction and aid cuts are contributing to the surge in attacks, as noted by Kieran King from War Child UK. The increase in children living in conflict and the corresponding rise in grave violations against them, including attacks on education, are deeply alarming.
However, amidst this darkness, there is a glimmer of hope. The GCPEA's director, Lisa Chung Bender, emphasizes that these attacks are preventable. She calls for states to end the military use of schools, strengthen legal protections, and invest in monitoring and early warning systems. By taking these measures, we can work towards safeguarding education and ensuring that children can learn in a safe environment.
In conclusion, the surge in attacks on education is a stark reminder of the fragility of global norms and the urgent need for action. It is a call to arms for all of us to stand up and protect the right to education, ensuring that the youngest among us are not left vulnerable to violence and destruction.
