Global News for Peace, Diplomacy and Sustainable Development

IPC GLOBAL Leaders Briefing

WHEN SCHOOLS BECOME TARGETS, THE DAMAGE REACHES FAR BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Today, the world marks the International Day to Protect Education from Attack amid a sharp rise in violence affecting education.

UNESCO reports that 1,680 attacks on schools were verified in 2025 — 33% more than in 2024. An estimated 258 million children and adolescents have had their education disrupted by crises worldwide, including 93 million who are entirely out of school.

Schools are more than places of learning. In communities affected by conflict, they can provide stability, protection, social connection and hope for the future.

When education is attacked or repeatedly interrupted, the consequences can extend across generations.

The burden also falls disproportionately on vulnerable children. In the world’s most severe crisis settings, UNESCO reports that 74% of refugee children, 52% of internally displaced children and 45% of children with disabilities are out of school.

The 2026 observance asks an important question:

“Can education survive attack? The resilience of human communities.”

UNESCO is responding through preparedness, continuity of learning and recovery efforts in more than 20 conflict- and crisis-affected countries, including early-warning work in Nigeria.