Islamabad: On the occasion of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the UN Secretary-General highlighted the severe impact of conflicts on education, calling for global efforts to shield students, teachers, and learning institutions worldwide.
According to United Nations Pakistan, the Secretary-General’s message emphasized the rising number of attacks on educational settings in regions like Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Colombia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He stressed the devastating effects of these conflicts on children and young people, including injuries, abductions, and loss of educational opportunities, labeling the right to education as fundamental to the fulfillment of all human rights.
The Secretary-General urged all nations to commit to the Safe Schools Declaration and support initiatives like the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack to ensure that learning can continue during and after crises. He called for increased investment in education and efforts to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on educational institutions.