Today marks the International Day to Protect Education from Attack

9 September is the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on 29 May 2020. This day highlights the urgent need to strengthen the protection of educational institutions, particularly schools, during armed conflicts. It underscores the vital role of education and the importance of preserving schools as safe spaces for students and teachers, especially in times of war.

International humanitarian law (IHL), which governs the conduct of armed conflict, provides special protection for children. Notably, Rule 135 of customary IHL states:

 “Children affected by armed conflict are entitled to special respect and protection.”

In addition, the fundamental principle of distinction under IHL obliges parties to a conflict to clearly differentiate between civilian and military targets. Attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, are strictly prohibited under international law.

The UN Secretary-General’s annual report on children and armed conflict notes that the number of attacks on schools has increased by 44% in recent years. Alarmingly, there has also been a 34% rise in serious violations related to rape and other forms of sexual violence. These increases are largely the result of urban warfare, which has turned homes into battlefields. The continued use of landmines and unexploded ordnance further endangers civilians, especially children.

These alarming trends demand intensified efforts to ensure that schools remain safe and secure environments, even during times of war. A crucial step towards this goal is the full compliance with IHL by all parties to the conflict. It also requires the effective implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, which Ukraine endorsed in 2019.

The Ukrainian Red Cross remains committed to raising public awareness of international humanitarian law and supporting the state in its implementation. On the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, we reaffirm the importance of upholding IHL, which provides special protection to children and educational institutions.