Attacks on Education Up By 20%: Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack Launches ‘Education Under Attack 2024’ Report

“Education must never be a target. This comprehensive study underscores the urgent need for action to safeguard students and teachers in conflict zones.” ~ECW Executive Director Yasmine Sherif

On average, eight attacks on education or cases of military use of schools were recorded daily around the world in 2022 and 2023. 

In conflicts around the world – from Afghanistan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the State of Palestine to Ukraine and Burkina Faso –  schools have increasingly become targets rather than safe havens. This is the alarming trend revealed in the timely ‘Education Under Attack 2024’ report, launched today by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA).

From bombings of schools to the systematic targeting of students and educators, GCPEA’s latest report compiles research collected from attacks on education which occurred in 2022 and 2023. The report finds that, globally, attacks on education increased during the two years, as compared to 2020 and 2021, with attacks and military use of schools seeing an increase of nearly 20%.

In 2022-2023, GCPEA identified around 6,000 reported attacks on education and cases of military use of schools and universities. With more than 10,000 students and educators killed, injured, abducted, arrested or otherwise harmed during these attacks, one thing is clear: urgent action is needed to protect children and education.

"Education must never be a target. Attacking schools, students and teachers may constitute serious breaches of international humanitarian law. ECW welcomes the launch of our partner GCPEA's latest 'Education Under Attack' report, which highlights the alarming increase in attacks on education worldwide,” said Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW). “This comprehensive study underscores the urgent need for action to safeguard students and teachers in conflict zones. Amidst crises, education's transformative power becomes even more evident – offering protection, hope and a pathway to brighter futures." 

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GCPEA’s research team found reported cases of attacks on education or military use in 79 countries – nearly half of which ECW investments are active in. The highest numbers were recorded in DRC, the State of Palestine and Ukraine.

Attacks on education have become all too common, posing significant threats to the safety and accessibility of learning environments. From bombings of schools to targeted assaults on students and educators, these acts undermine the right to education and perpetuate cycles of instability and inequality. 

By raising global awareness on the issue and highlighting the lasting repercussions of these attacks on students, teachers and entire nations, the report aims to catalyze urgent action towards safeguarding education in conflict zones – especially through the endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration. 

As the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises within the United Nations, ECW continues its strong partnership with GCPEA, working to strengthen global systems to better protect education from attack globally. In March 2024, ECW announced the extension of this partnership through a new Acceleration Facility grant which will continue to support the rigorous research needed to understand the scope, scale and severity of attacks on education.

Every child must be safe to learn, no matter who or where they are. Together, ECW, GCPEA and global strategic partners continue their work to make this fundamental human right a reality through safeguarding education, and the children and youth who depend on it.

Support for ‘Education Under Attack 2024’ was provided by Education Cannot Wait, Education Above All and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.