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UNESCO commemorates fourth International Day to Protect Education from Attack

Over 14,500 reports of attacks on education or military use of educational facilities were recorded worldwide between 2017 and 2022, according to the (GCPEA). More than 28,000 students, teachers, and academics were injured, killed, or harmed in such attacks carried out in situations of armed conflict or insecurity.
The on 9 September is an occasion to raise awareness about the pressing issue of attacks on schools, students, education personnel and teachers worldwide. It serves as a reminder that children and youth continue to face conflict, violence and disruption to their education, undermining their right to learn and thrive in a peaceful and nurturing environment.
A week-long commemoration
This year's main High-Level Observance of the fourth International Day is co-organized by UNESCO, the State of Qatar, Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, UNICEF, and the United Nations Department of Global Communications, will take place on 13 September 2023, at the UN Headquarters in New York. This event is part of a week-long commemoration dedicated to galvanizing action to safeguard education, focusing on the theme of "Justice for Victims".
The event will gather global leaders, UN stakeholders, teachers and victims of attacks on education. Together, they will call for the protection of education and "Justice for Victims", centering discussions around accountability for attacks on education.
Throughout the week, UNESCO will join partners in the commemoration of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack with different events all contributing to the theme of "Justice for Victims" and amplifying youth voices.
On 11 September, in parallel with the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Geneva will host a high-level commemoration at the Palais des Nations. The event will delve into actionable steps to prevent and mitigate the devastating impact of attacks on education. A key focus will be the endorsement and implementation of the , an international political commitment aimed at protecting education in conflict situations.
In Doha, on 13 September, a panel discussion co-organized by Qatar, EAA, UNESCO and UNICEF will explore strategies to amplify the voices of youth in the Protecting Education from Attack agenda. Discourse in Doha will also focus on justice mechanisms for survivors of attacks on education and the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed forces or armed groups.
Following the High-Level Observance in New York, on 14 September, UN Peacebuilding Commission will organize a special event focusing on education’s role in building peace within the framework of the ongoing revision of UNESCO’s 1974
UNESCO’s commitment to protecting education from attack
UNESCO plays a crucial role in advocating for the protection of education from attack and works to address the challenges associated with attacks on education worldwide.
At the global level, UNESCO joins partners to gather and disseminate data and information about attacks on education, notably through the . UNESCO also advocates the protection of education at the policy level, working closely with governments and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies and frameworks that safeguard schools, students, and educators.
UNESCO is also working on the ground in response to emergencies and protracted crisis. In Ukraine, since 24 February 2022, approximately 10% of all education institutions - a total of 3,758 - have been damaged or destroyed. Working closely with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, UNESCO is contributing to the creation of a safe and inclusive learning environment by enhancing educational infrastructures and strengthening capacity to deliver Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. In South Sudan, afflicted by civil conflict and communal violence, UNESCO is leveraging youth actions to reduce violence, enhance social cohesion and foster peace. Young people are provided with the chance to acquire emotional self-regulation skills, together with literacy, livelihoods, and vocational training to participate in social and economic activities as well as the decision-making process in their communities.
- UNESCO’s work to support education in emergencies