Islamabad: On the occasion of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the United Nations in Pakistan highlighted the increasing global incidents of violence against educational institutions, urging nations worldwide to strengthen efforts to safeguard education. The message, aimed at drawing attention to the bleak consequences of conflict on young learners, emphasized the essential nature of education as a fundamental human right and called for universal adherence to protective measures.
According to United Nations Pakistan, recent years have witnessed a significant rise in attacks targeting students, teachers, and educational facilities in regions including Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Colombia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These conflicts inflict severe physical and psychological damage on young individuals, affecting their safety and educational prospects. The United Nations stressed the myriad risks faced by children in conflict zones, ranging from physical injury and death to abduction, forced displacement, and recruitment into conflict.
The statement issued by the United Nations Pakistan underscored education as not only a basic human right but also a crucial foundation for the realization of all other human rights. It called on countries globally to prioritize education funding and to implement robust measures to protect educational environments and personnel. Additionally, the organization urged full endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and support for the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack.
The United Nations’ message also highlighted the collective responsibility to support educational continuance during crises and recovery phases, ensuring that the right to education is preserved for every child and young person around the world.