“The Crossing” installation at UNESCO Headquarters is a stark reminder of the rising number of attacks on schools
In his remarks, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany reflected on the stark message conveyed by “The Crossing”:
“I am deeply alarmed by the sharp increase in attacks on schools, which are depriving children of safety, learning and hope. Schools and universities must be protected at all times. We call on all parties to conflict to respect international law and ensure that education can continue in safety and dignity, even in the midst of crisis.”
He called for greater collective action to protect education, highlighting UNESCO’s Plan of Action to Protect Education from Attack, adopted by the Executive Board earlier this year, under the chairmanship of Dr Nasser Bin Hamad Al Hinzab (Qatar).
The Plan spans preparedness, response, and recovery measures, building on UNESCO’s work already underway in countries affected by crises.
UNESCO and its partners are standing with people, when everything else is under strain: supporting teachers and equipping schools with protective shelters in Ukraine; providing displaced children in Lebanon with mental health and psychosocial support through art and creative activities; backing students in Gaza to continue learning through temporary learning spaces and the Gaza Virtual Campus; strengthening community schools in Haiti; implementing early warning mechanisms in Nigeria; enhancing teachers’ professional competencies, school governance and management capacities in Syria; and strengthening education data, planning and learning assessment systems in Yemen.
Mohammed Al-Kubaisi, Chief Executive Officer of Education Above All Foundation commented:
“Education can survive attack, but only if we choose to build systems capable of survival. Schools are not targets, teachers are not combatants, and children’s futures are not collateral damage. Protecting education must go beyond rebuilding after harm has occurred; it must include preparedness, safe learning pathways, alternative education solutions, psychosocial support, and accountability for those who attack education.”
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