The United Nations has warned that education is increasingly being pushed to the front line of armed conflict, with millions of children out of school and attacks on learning environments continuing to rise.
Marking the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the UN highlighted the growing danger faced by students, teachers and schools. In 2025, the organization verified 1,680 attacks on schools, 33 percent more than in 2024.
UN reporting also pointed to a wider education emergency, with 93 million children currently out of class in crisis-affected settings.
UNESCO has introduced a new action plan intended to help education systems prepare for attacks, protect learning during emergencies and recover after violence. Measures include supporting teachers, restoring damaged classrooms and creating safer places for children to continue learning.
The UN has stressed that education is not only a long-term development priority but also a form of protection during crises. Keeping children in safe learning environments can provide stability, access to essential services and a pathway back to normal life.
The organization called on governments and parties to conflict to respect international law, protect schools from attack and ensure that children can continue their education even during emergencies.