United Nations, Sep 10 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for action to safeguard the right to education in his message to mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack.Education is an essential human right and “an essential factor in the achievement of sustainability and peace,” the most senior UN official was quoted by Xinhua news agency.
Unfortunately this right continues to be under attack, particularly in areas affected by conflict, he said.
“Classrooms should remain spaces of tranquility and education,” Guterres noted.
In 2020 and 2021 the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack has reported more than 5,000 assaults and instances of military use of universities and schools.
More than 9,000 teachers and students were killed and taken away, arbitrarily detained, or injured most of who included women as well as girls.
“These attacks prevent millions of vulnerable students of access to education, and increase the risk of sexual assault and recruitment of children by militant groups.They must be stopped now,” said the UN chief.
Guterres praised the efforts of several countries to safeguard schools and universities, and encouraged “all members to sign and implement the Safe Schools Declaration.”
“International law and obligations under international humanitarian law should be respected.We must continue monitoring and investigate all incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable,” he said.
In commemorating the international day and in the run-up to the Transforming Education Summit, which will be held at UN headquarters in New York from September 16 to 19 Guterres advised everyone to “act together to ensure an education that is safe for everyone.”
Attacks on schools and military use of schools rose by one-third in 2020, compared to and continued at the same level in 2021.Six attacks on schools or incidents of military use took place every day.
Explosive weapons were employed in about one fifth of all attacks reported on schools during the period of reporting according to the United Nations.
The International Day to Protect Education from Attack The purpose of the day is to create awareness to protect education and safeguard it from attack and threats, is observed on September 9 each year.
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