Recent research has revealed a shocking increase in assaults on educational institutions worldwide, with a staggering 40% rise in incidents reported globally. The findings, published by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), indicate that over 10,600 students and educational staff have been killed, injured, abducted, or arrested between 2024 and 2025. This alarming trend underscores the escalating risks faced by children in conflict zones and the urgent need for protective measures.
Alarming Statistics from Around the Globe
The report highlights a total of 8,556 documented attacks across 83 countries, revealing that the highest rates of violence occurred in Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Palestine, and Ukraine. Notably, Ukraine recorded approximately 900 assaults on educational facilities, while Palestine faced an even graver situation, with at least 2,400 incidents targeting students and staff.
The study also noted a dramatic increase in the military occupation of schools and universities, which nearly doubled, rising by 91% from the previous two years. This trend reflects a worrying shift in tactics used by armed groups, with 1,912 cases reported. Lisa Chung Bender, director of the GCPEA, emphasised the dire implications of these findings, stating, “They are a warning that the global norms that once protected children are collapsing.”
Myanmar and Nigeria: Hotspots of Violence
Among the countries suffering the most severe impacts of these attacks, Myanmar, Nigeria, Yemen, and Cameroon stand out, with over 1,700 students and staff reported as victims of violence. In Nigeria alone, more than 700 individuals were kidnapped, while in Myanmar, at least 80 were killed and around 240 injured.
The violence extends beyond mere statistics; it profoundly affects children’s perceptions of safety. Professor Tejendra Pherali from University College London remarked, “Behind these numbers are the children who no longer see schools as a place of safety. It’s not just education that is lost – it’s safety, futures, and trust in educational institutions.”
Gender-Based Violence in Education
The report also sheds light on the specific targeting of women and girls in educational settings, with at least 11 countries reporting gender-based attacks. A harrowing incident in Nigeria on 17 November 2025 saw gunmen storm a girls’ boarding school, resulting in the death of the vice-principal and the abduction of 25 female students. Such attacks exacerbate the already precarious situation for girls seeking education in conflict-ridden areas.
Additionally, children with disabilities, who often face significant barriers to education, are also at risk. In a particularly distressing case in Lebanon, the Israeli military conducted a controlled detonation to destroy a school designed for children with special needs, further illustrating the widespread disregard for the safety of vulnerable populations.
The Legal and Humanitarian Implications
Kieran King from War Child UK highlighted the violation of international law represented by these attacks, noting a 373% increase in grave violations against children since 2010. He pointed out that the lack of consequences for perpetrators has fostered a climate of impunity, contributing to a marked rise in violence against educational institutions. King stated, “The inevitable result of that is a documented surge in disregard for international humanitarian law.”
Moreover, the economic implications of these attacks cannot be overlooked. Cuts to humanitarian aid from nations such as the US and the UK have further strained resources aimed at supporting education in conflict areas, leaving many children without the critical support they need.
Preventable Tragedies
Despite the grim statistics, Chung Bender insists that these attacks are preventable. “We need states to end military use of schools, strengthen legal protection and accountability for attacks on education, and invest in monitoring, reporting, and early warning systems,” she urged.
As global conflict continues to escalate—Uppsala University’s conflict data programme recorded the highest level of state conflicts since World War II in 2025—the urgency for action to safeguard educational environments has never been more pressing. With over 244,000 people falling victim to organised violence in 2025, this crisis represents not just a failure to protect the most vulnerable but a broader humanitarian disaster demanding immediate international attention.
Why it Matters
The surge in attacks on education is not merely a statistic; it is a profound indictment of our global society’s failure to protect its most vulnerable members—children. As schools should be sanctuaries for learning and safety, the increasing violence against educational institutions signals a concerning shift towards normalising attacks on children. Addressing this crisis is essential, not only for the future of education but for the very fabric of global stability and human rights. Failure to act now risks perpetuating a cycle of violence that could haunt generations to come.