International Day to Protect Education from Attack

International Day to Protect Education from Attack is marked annually on September 9. In 2026, this date falls on a Wednesday. The day calls global attention to the urgent need to safeguard students, teachers, and schools from violence, particularly in conflict zones.

History of International Day to Protect Education from Attack

The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 74/275 on May 28, 2020, officially establishing September 9 as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. The resolution was presented by the State of Qatar and co-sponsored by 62 countries. UNESCO and UNICEF were designated as co-facilitators of the annual observance, which aims to raise awareness and inspire action for protecting education during armed conflict.

Attacks on educational institutions, students, and teachers occur at alarming rates globally, especially in contexts of armed conflict. These attacks deprive learners of their fundamental right to quality education and impede teachers' ability to work. The Safe Schools Declaration, opened for endorsement in 2015, provides guidelines to protect learning environments and ensure continuity of education during war. International humanitarian law recognizes the civilian nature of educational facilities and mandates their protection under the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.

Why is International Day to Protect Education from Attack important?

Education should always be a safe haven and a pathway to peace and development. Yet violence against education continues to escalate. Between 2022 and 2023, there were around 6,000 attacks targeting students, educators, and educational institutions. The use of schools for military purposes rose by 20%, and over 10,000 students were killed, abducted, arrested, or harmed. In 2024, attacks on schools increased by 44%, leading to death, abduction, and trauma for thousands.

The day highlights the devastating impact of armed conflict on education and reinforces the need for protection. Governments have the primary responsibility to provide safe, inclusive, and equitable education for all learners, especially those in vulnerable situations. The UN continues to advocate for safe access to education and urges countries to invest in resilient education systems.

• Attacks on education deprive students of their fundamental right to quality education.
• Schools, universities, and educational institutions are often turned into targets and battlegrounds during armed conflict.
• International humanitarian law mandates the protection of educational facilities under the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.
• The Safe Schools Declaration provides essential guidelines to protect learning environments and ensure continuity of education.
• UNESCO and UNICEF work on the frontlines in conflict-affected countries to strengthen capacity for providing access to quality education during crises.

How to Celebrate International Day to Protect Education from Attack

Raise awareness about the risks schools and universities face in conflict zones and the importance of protecting education. Learn about the Safe Schools Declaration and encourage governments to endorse and implement it. Share information from UNESCO and UNICEF about the impact of attacks on education and how to support affected communities.

Support organizations that work to protect education in emergencies. Donate to groups providing educational resources and safe learning spaces for children in conflict areas. Advocate for policies that prioritize the protection of students, teachers, and schools. Use social media to amplify the message that education should never be a target.

• Learn about the risks schools and universities face in conflict zones.
• Share information from UNESCO and UNICEF about attacks on education.
• Encourage governments to endorse and implement the Safe Schools Declaration.
• Support organizations providing education in emergencies.
• Advocate for policies that protect students, teachers, and schools.

International Day to Protect Education from Attack Dates