Education Under Siege: Global Attacks on Schools Skyrocket by Alarming 44%
New York, USA – September 9, 2025 – A stark and deeply concerning report released today by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) reveals a dramatic surge in attacks on schools and educational facilities worldwide. The findings indicate a staggering 44 per cent increase in such incidents over the past year, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced by students and educators in maintaining safe learning environments.
The report, titled “Attacks on Schools Surge by ‘Staggering’ 44 per cent Over the Past Year,” highlights the escalating trend of violence and disruption impacting education. These attacks, which range from direct military assaults and occupation of schools to targeted bombings, abductions, and the use of educational institutions as military bases, have devastating consequences for the continuity of education and the well-being of children and young people.
“This unprecedented rise in attacks on schools is a grave violation of children’s fundamental right to education,” stated a UNESCO spokesperson. “It not only deprives millions of children of their learning opportunities but also inflicts deep psychological trauma, exacerbates existing inequalities, and undermines the future prospects of entire communities.”
The report underscores that these attacks are not isolated incidents but rather a pervasive and growing threat in numerous regions affected by armed conflict, political instability, and terrorism. Schools, which should serve as sanctuaries of learning and hope, are increasingly becoming targets, leaving them damaged, destroyed, or unusable for extended periods.
Key findings from the report include:
- Geographic Spread: While the report does not explicitly name all affected countries, it indicates that the surge in attacks is a global phenomenon with particular concentrations in areas experiencing protracted conflicts.
- Nature of Attacks: The spectrum of attacks is broad, encompassing deliberate targeting of school buildings, civilian occupation of schools by armed groups, and the use of schools as staging grounds for military operations.
- Impact on Students and Teachers: Beyond the physical destruction, these attacks lead to widespread fear, displacement of students and teachers, increased dropout rates, and long-term psychological distress.
- Disruption of Education Systems: The repeated damage and closure of schools cripple national education systems, making it difficult to deliver consistent and quality education, thereby hindering social and economic development.
The rise in these attacks is particularly alarming as the international community continues to strive for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. Attacks on schools directly impede progress towards this vital goal.
UNESCO is calling for urgent and concerted action from governments, international organizations, civil society, and all stakeholders to address this alarming trend. The report emphasizes the need for:
- Strengthening International Norms: Reinforcing and ensuring adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights law that protects education in times of conflict.
- Protection of Education Facilities: Implementing robust measures to safeguard schools and educational personnel from attacks, including through diplomatic engagement and the development of safe zones.
- Support for Affected Communities: Providing comprehensive support to students, teachers, and families impacted by attacks, including psychosocial assistance, remedial education, and reconstruction efforts.
- Accountability: Investigating and holding perpetrators of attacks on schools accountable for their actions.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Raising global awareness about the critical issue of attacks on education and advocating for the ‘Safe Schools Declaration,’ which is a commitment by governments to protect education in armed conflict.
The report serves as a critical wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need to reaffirm the fundamental right to education and to work collaboratively to ensure that schools remain safe havens for learning and hope for all children, everywhere. The future of millions of young people, and indeed the future of societies, depends on our collective ability to protect education from the ravages of violence.
Attacks on schools surge by ‘staggering’ 44 per cent over the past year
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