September 9 marks the annual observance of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of millions of children, students, and educators worldwide who continue to suffer due to conflicts and violence. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to safeguard education and ensure that all individuals can access learning in a safe environment.
Education is not just a fundamental human right; it is a beacon of hope and progress for communities, nations, and the world at large. However, millions of children and young adults in conflict-affected regions face unimaginable challenges when pursuing an education. They are at risk of violence, abduction, recruitment into armed groups, and forced displacement. Schools and universities, once sanctuaries for learning, have become targets in armed conflicts, severely limiting access to education.
The day was established through a unanimous decision made by the UN General Assembly, which called upon UNESCO and UNICEF to raise awareness about the difficult circumstances faced by millions of children living in countries affected by conflict. The resolution proclaiming this Day was put forward by Qatar and received support from 62 countries.
UNESCO and UNICEF work closely with partners both within and outside the UN system to coordinate the annual observance of this Day. These UN entities have a history of working on the frontlines in conflict-affected nations, assisting Member States in enhancing their ability to provide quality educational opportunities for everyone, even in times of crisis.
While international efforts have been made to address this issue, much remains to be done. Armed conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies continue to disrupt education systems worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, widening educational inequalities and deepening the vulnerability of marginalized populations.
To protect education from attack and promote safe learning environments, governments, civil society organizations, and the international community must work together to:
- Strengthen Legal Protections: Ensure that international laws and conventions, such as the Safe Schools Declaration and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, are implemented and enforced to protect schools and universities from attack.
- Raise Awareness: Increase awareness about the importance of education in conflict-affected areas and advocate for safe and uninterrupted access to education for all.
- Support Trauma-Informed Education: Provide psychosocial support and trauma-informed education for students and educators who have experienced violence and displacement.
- Humanitarian Assistance: Allocate resources for education in humanitarian response plans, including the provision of safe and inclusive learning spaces, supplies, and trained teachers.
- Conflict Prevention and Resolution: Work towards resolving conflicts peacefully and addressing the root causes of violence to create stable and secure environments for education.
- Invest in Technology: Utilize technology and innovative approaches to deliver education during emergencies and ensure continued learning.
Acknowledging the importance of education in the advancement of the nation, Saida Mirziyoyeva, the daughter of Uzbekistan's president, emphasized President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's commitment to elevating the education sector. Various steps have been put into action to ease the responsibilities of educators, such as relieving them from unrelated obligations and introducing consequences, including the possibility of legal repercussions, for engaging them in non-educational activities.
The fourth International Day to Protect Education from Attack will have its primary high-level event held at the ECOSCOC Chamber in the United Nations Headquarters on September 13, 2023. This event is a collaborative effort between the State of Qatar, the Education Above All Foundation, UNICEF, UNESCO, and the United Nations Department of Global Communications.
In addition to this main event, there will be two other high-level commemorations taking place in Geneva on September 11 and in Doha on September 13. Over the course of one week, various stakeholders and partners in the field of education will come together to advocate for the safeguarding of education and seek justice for its victims, aligning with this year's theme.
This year's focus will particularly emphasize the importance of involving young people, especially those with firsthand experience of living in conflict zones and facing violence and disruptions to their education. Their voices will be highlighted, and there will be a call for their inclusion in decision-making processes that affect their education and well-being.
By protecting education from attack, we can build a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous world for future generations. The right to education must prevail, even in the most challenging circumstances, and it is up to us to make that a reality.
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