Recent findings illustrate an alarming 40% increase in violent assaults on educational establishments worldwide, with over 8,500 incidents reported over the last two years. The Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) revealed that these attacks have resulted in the deaths, injuries, abductions, or arrests of at least 10,600 students and staff across 83 countries, highlighting an urgent crisis for the global community.
A Disquieting Trend in School Attacks
The GCPEA’s report, released on 15 June 2026, documents a staggering rise in violence aimed at schools, with notable hotspots including Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Palestine, and Ukraine. The situation is particularly dire in Ukraine, where approximately 900 attacks on educational facilities have been recorded, and in Palestine, which has witnessed at least 2,400 incidents impacting students and educators.
Moreover, the report indicates that the occupation of educational institutions by military forces or armed groups has nearly doubled, with 1,912 cases documented. This trend is alarming for advocates of education and child rights, as it signals a systemic deterioration of safety in environments that should be havens for learning and growth.
The Human Cost of Conflict
The repercussions of these attacks are profound. Myanmar, Nigeria, Yemen, and Cameroon have emerged as the countries most affected, with over 1,700 educational personnel and students either killed or injured. In Nigeria alone, more than 700 individuals have been reported kidnapped, while Myanmar has seen the tragic loss of at least 80 lives within educational settings.
Prof Tejendra Pherali, an expert in education and conflict at University College London, articulated the gravity of this crisis, saying, “It’s heartbreaking to see numbers are rising; it is the same pattern every year. This is more systematic rather than episodic, and attacks are increasingly strategic.” He emphasised the broader implications, noting that beyond educational loss, these assaults erode trust in institutions and compromise the safety and future of countless children.
Gender-Based Violence in Education
The report highlights a troubling pattern of gender-based violence, with at least 11 countries, including Nigeria, indicating that women and girls are specifically targeted. A particularly harrowing incident occurred on 17 November 2025, when armed assailants attacked a girls’ boarding school, resulting in the death of the vice-principal and the kidnapping of 25 female students.
Additionally, students with disabilities are disproportionately affected by these attacks. In Lebanon, an incident involving the Israeli military led to the destruction of a school designed for children with special needs, showcasing the indiscriminate nature of these assaults.
A Call for Action and Accountability
Kieran King from War Child UK stressed that these attacks contravene international law, including the Geneva Conventions. He pointed out that since 2010, the number of children living in conflict zones has surged by 60%, correlating with a staggering 373% increase in assaults on educational facilities. King lamented the escalating impunity for such actions, which he believes contributes to a deteriorating respect for international humanitarian law.
Chung Bender, the GCPEA’s director, urged immediate action to prevent these attacks, calling for states to cease the military use of schools, enhance legal protections, and invest in monitoring systems. “These attacks are preventable,” she asserted, highlighting the need for a collective response from the international community.
Why it Matters
The rise in violence against educational institutions not only threatens the immediate safety of students and educators but also undermines the foundation of education itself. As conflicts intensify globally, the sanctity of schools as safe spaces for learning is increasingly compromised. This trend poses a significant challenge to future generations, as education is fundamental to societal development, stability, and peace. Failure to address this issue could lead to a cycle of violence that hampers progress and diminishes the hope for a more peaceful world.