Attacks against schools increase by “stretching” 44% in the past year

More than 41,000 incidents of violence against school -aged children were reported by the UN in 2024.

The countries with the highest violations were Israel and the Palestinian territory occupied, notably the Gaza Strip, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Somalia, Nigeria and Haiti.

In a message to mark the International day to protect educationCommemorated each year on September 9, the secretary general of the United Nations, António Guterres said That “each violation has deep consequences, not only for teachers and young learners, but for the future of communities and whole countries”, adding that “no child should risk death from learning”.

The UN chiefAnnual report on Children and armed conflictFor 2024, not only underlines an resurgence of attacks against schools, but also an increase of 34% of rape and other forms of sexual violence perpetrated against children.

In addition, the number of children victims of what the UN calls serious violations has increased by 17% due to kidnapping, recruitment and other types of violence, characterized by the UN as “an alarming escalation of brutality”.

Children of Gaza deprived of the right to education

In Gaza, where more than 2.3 million people were moved by the two -year war, 660,000 children remain outside the school and the classrooms have been converted into shelters.

“There is no more education now. We live inside the school, where we are moved, eating and sleeping, “said Diana, a child living in Gaza.

Despite the current conflict, more than 68,000 children in Gaza have been affected by temporary learning spaces offering psychosocial education and support.

The UN children’s funds, UnicefAlso recycle the pallets in school furniture and the conversion of boxes provided in tables and chairs.

Obstacles to education in Ukraine

In Ukraine, 5.3 million children face obstacles to education, and around 115,000 are completely outside the school due to the current war.

“1,850 installations have been damaged since the start of the conflict,” said Nelson Rodrigues, specialist in UNICEF education.

With many schools on the front line closed or operating remotely, more than 420,000 children frequent the school entirely online, while a million use a hybrid model.

UNICEF supported the rehabilitation of 57,000 school facilities affected by the war, which has enabled a considerable number of children to return to class.

The United Nations agency has also provided catch -up and repair learning, allowing children to recover from disturbances and continue their studies.

Meanwhile, between January and July this year, the UN and its humanitarian partners supported 370,000 children and teachers, mainly on the front line and in reception communities.

Respect schools

The parties faced all over the world are forced under international law, to respect schools as security places and to hold responsible for attacks on attacks.

“The pen, the book and the classroom are all more powerful than the sword,” said UN Guterres secretary general.

“Let us continue and protect the fundamental right of each child to learn in security and peace.”