Global, 10 September 2023 (TDI): On May 28, 2020, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 74/275, officially establishing September 9 as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack.
This resolution acknowledges the critical importance of raising awareness regarding the urgent need to safeguard education from hostile acts. UNESCO and UNICEF have been designated as co-facilitators for the annual observance of this day.
The resolution also calls upon various stakeholders to maintain a focus on this issue at the global level and to take appropriate actions to alleviate the suffering of students affected by armed conflicts.
The International Day serves as a yearly platform to promote advocacy and mobilize efforts for the protection of education and the establishment of sustainable peace worldwide.
Educational institutions, such as schools, universities, and other places of learning, should always serve as safe sanctuaries that nurture peace and development. Equally paramount is the safety and well-being of students, educators, and other staff members.
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In accordance with the principle of distinction outlined in International Humanitarian Law, their civilian status must be recognized, safeguarded, and never made the target of attacks.
Armed conflicts create numerous formidable barriers to education, hindering access to quality, equitable, inclusive, and secure learning opportunities.
The protracted nature of contemporary conflicts has a detrimental impact on the future prospects of entire generations of learners, particularly children and vulnerable populations.
These consequences deprive them of lifelong learning opportunities, economic prosperity, development, and peace. The right to education must be upheld, respected, and accessible to all, especially in situations characterized by armed conflict and insecurity.
The primary high-level event for the fourth International Day to Protect Education from Attack will be convened in the ECOSCOC Chamber at UN Headquarters on September 13, 2023, in collaboration with the State of Qatar, the Education Above All Foundation, UNICEF, UNESCO, and the United Nations Department of Global Communications.
Furthermore, two high-level commemorations will be organized, one in Geneva on September 11 and another in Doha on September 13.
Over the course of one week, education stakeholders and partners will unite to advocate for the protection of education and justice for its victims, reflecting this year’s theme.
The significance of youth voices and the imperative to include young individuals in decision-making processes related to their experiences in conflict zones, where they face violence and disruptions to their education, will be emphasized.
Iffat Masood is Contributor and Content writer on THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT, and also Ambassador from IAMCR. She is perusing her PhD. from UAB Barcelona, Spain in Audio-Video Communications and Advertising.
