About International Day to Protect Education from Attack

DESCRIPTION:

UNESCO's International Day to Protect Education from Attacks, observed annually on September 9th, is an advocacy initiative to foster greater safety for education institutions worldwide. The day began in response to the increasing number of violent attacks on education settings, which threaten students, teachers, and the sanctity of education in conflict-affected regions.

The purpose of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack is to raise awareness of the plight faced by millions of students and educators globally who live in areas of conflict where schools often become targets of violence. The day calls for urgent action to safeguard educational environments, ensuring that schools remain safe learning and intellectual development spaces.

The establishment of this day was a reaction to the sobering reality that schools and universities are not just incidental casualties but have become deliberate targets of conflict. Attacks on education range from the destruction of infrastructure to the intimidation and assault of students and staff. Each attack focuses on the intent to disrupt and deny the right to education.

Events such as campaigns, seminars, and public statements by global leaders and educational activists mark the observance. These activities highlight the need for concerted efforts to prevent attacks, promote conflict-sensitive educational policies, and implement measures to ensure the continuation of education during conflict.

The International Day to Protect Education from Attack also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the role of governments, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and communities in upholding the right to education. It calls for the adherence to international laws and norms that protect education from attack and for implementing the Safe Schools Declaration, a political commitment to protect education during armed conflict.