The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has raised the alarm over the growing number of attacks on schools globally, warning that conflicts are increasingly putting children’s education at risk.
UNESCO, in a statement marking the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, said the latest United Nations data showed a sharp escalation in attacks on educational institutions in 2025.
According to the organisation, 1,680 attacks on schools were verified by the United Nations in 2025, representing a 33 per cent increase from the 1,265 attacks recorded in 2024.
UNESCO said the attacks were taking place amid wider disruptions to education caused by conflicts and other crises around the world.
It estimated that 258 million children and adolescents had their education disrupted by crises globally, with 93 million completely out of school.
The organisation said the burden was particularly severe in countries facing the world’s most acute humanitarian crises, with nearly 80 per cent of crisis-affected children who are out of school — about 74 million — living in just 20 countries.
UNESCO further noted that children displaced by conflict face some of the steepest barriers to education.
It said only 26 per cent of refugee children were accessing education, while 52 per cent of internally displaced children were also out of school.
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany called for stronger international action to protect schools and universities from attacks, stressing that education should remain safe and accessible even during armed conflicts.
He urged all parties involved in conflicts to respect international humanitarian law and ensure that children and young people can continue learning without fear.
The International Day to Protect Education from Attack was established by a unanimous decision of the United Nations General Assembly in 2020, with September 9 designated annually to draw global attention to the need to safeguard education during conflicts and crises.
UNESCO said the rising attacks on educational institutions underscored the urgent need for governments, international organisations and conflict parties to strengthen measures protecting schools, teachers and learners.
