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Transforming the response to attacks on education through improved data
Over . These attacks, ranging from direct assaults, bombings, and the militarization of schools to violence against students and educators, are humanitarian tragedies and profound violations of the right to education.
To safeguard access to education for millions of children and youth, accurate and comprehensive data on attacks on education is essential. UNESCO is working with partners to make sure that such data is available and accessible.
Attacks on education data for improved response and resilience
The current landscape of Attacks on Education (AoE) data is marked by significant fragmentation and limitations, which impede the ability to compare and monitor these incidents effectively across various contexts.
One significant challenge has been the absence of a timely, systematic mechanism for disseminating AoE data to those who need it—from humanitarian to development actors—further hampering responsive and informed decision-making. Improving the quality of data through standardization, enhanced reporting, and actionable insights will empower governments and humanitarian agencies to better monitor, prepare for, and respond to attacks, ultimately protecting schools, students, and teachers.
UNESCO’s work to improve data on attacks on education
In response to these challenges, UNESCO, with the support of and in collaboration with the and , are working to improve the quality and availability of AoE data and the monitoring of attacks on education. Recently, UNESCO launched two major reports:
- : presenting the necessary components of, key constraints on, and promising practices for producing quality AoE data.
- : exploring the possibility of evaluating attack impact by proposing methodological options for the development of a Severity Index for Attacks on Education.
The reports are informed by of AoE data and policy in the West and Central African region, which has seen an alarming increase in attacks on educational institutions in recent years, and six country case studies in , , , , , and .
These efforts are aimed at providing insight into the patterns and impact of attacks on education and enhancing the AoE data ecosystem. Another key initiative has been the launch of the , aimed at centralizing and making vital data on these attacks accessible.
The way forward: Aligning with global initiatives to protect education from attack
As the world grapples with the complexities and challenges of widespread armed conflict, it is important to strengthen our collective response and resilience through improved data and informed strategies to protect educational environments. Global initiatives, including the and the International Day to Protect Education from Attack underscore the international community's dedication to ensuring that educational spaces remain safe and secure zones of learning, even amidst conflict. UNESCO's work on AoE data will contribute to global actions tackling the crisis of mounting educational attacks, aligning with the SDG 4 commitment to guaranteeing quality education for all.
