Increase Evident in War-Torn Regions
PARIS, France (AFP) — The United Nations’ cultural agency UNESCO has reported a significant uptick in attacks on students and educational facilities globally, noting a particularly severe impact in countries experiencing armed conflict. According to a study conducted by the Global Coalition for Protecting Education from Attack, a member of which UNESCO is, there was a 20% increase in such attacks in 2022 and 2023 compared to the preceding two years.
The report disclosed that over the two-year period, there were 6,000 recorded attacks against students, professionals, and educational institutions. Included in this figure are 1,000 instances where schools and other educational facilities were used for military purposes. This data translates to an average of eight attacks every day worldwide.
This escalating violence has been more prevalent in areas embroiled in conflict, with UNESCO identifying Myanmar, the Middle East—particularly Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen as the most affected regions.
Case in Point: Recent School Shooting in the US
Adding to the alarming trends, recent events such as the tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, underscore the urgency of addressing this global issue. On September 4, 2024, the school became a grim statistic when two students and two teachers were killed in a shooting, and a 14-year-old student was taken into custody. The incident occurred just a day before the UNESCO report was publicized, further highlighting the vulnerability of educational environments.
A photograph from September 5 shows police tape surrounding the perimeter of Apalachee High School, encapsulating the heightened anxieties and security concerns permeating educational communities.
Urgent Call for Action
The recent data and incidents underscore an urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect educational spaces and ensure the safety of students and educators. UNESCO and other coalition members advocate for immediate and long-term strategies to combat these attacks and safeguard the right to education, especially in conflict zones.
The growing frequency of these incidents demands a global response to reinforce the sanctity of educational institutions as safe havens for learning and growth.
