Attacks on education, pupils and staff around the world up by 40%, says study
Cases reported in 83 countries, with at least 10,600 students and staff killed, injured, abducted or arrested, GCPEA says
TL;DR
- Global attacks on education surged by 40%, with 8,556 incidents and 10,600 students/staff harmed in 2024-2025.
- Incidents were reported in 83 countries, with high rates in Colombia, DRC, Ethiopia, Haiti, Palestine, and Ukraine.
- Occupations of schools by military forces/armed groups nearly doubled (91%) to 1,912 cases.
- Women, girls, and students with disabilities are specifically targeted.
- High explosives, including drone-borne munitions, are frequently used, causing casualties and infrastructure damage.
- Attacks on education are a grave violation of international law, increasing alongside children in conflict.
- Weakening multilateral systems, political impunity, and aid cuts worsen the situation.
- Preventative measures include ending military use of schools, strengthening legal protections, and investing in monitoring systems.