The world's classrooms are under siege, as a disturbing new report reveals that global attacks on educational institutions have soared by 40% over the past two years. The stark statistics, compiled by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), expose a chilling trend where children and staff are increasingly being caught in the crossfire of conflict.
The report details 8,556 incidents in 83 countries, resulting in more than 10,600 individuals killed, injured, abducted or arrested between 2024 and 2025. Ukraine bore the brunt of these attacks, with at least 900 schools targeted, while Palestine recorded over 2,400 incidents impacting students and staff.
Lisa Chung Bender, director of the GCPEA, sounded a dire warning about the erosion of global norms designed to protect children, urging immediate action to uphold these protections. The report highlights Myanmar, Nigeria, Yemen, and Cameroon as countries with the highest numbers of victims, with over 1,700 students and staff collectively killed or injured.
Experts warn that beyond the statistics, the impact is felt in the loss of a sense of safety in schools, leading to a breakdown in education, future prospects, and trust in educational institutions. Professor Tejendra Pherali, an expert in education, conflict, and peace at University College London, described the rising figures as "heartbreaking" and indicative of a systematic trend.
Women and girls were specifically targeted in at least 11 countries, with an example cited being the attack on a girls' boarding school in Nigeria in November 2025. Students with disabilities also suffered, including the destruction of a special needs school in Lebanon.
Kieran King from War Child UK reiterates that attacks on education constitute a grave violation of international law, pointing out a correlation between conflict and an alarming rise in grave violations against children. He attributes this worsening situation to states acting with impunity and cuts in aid funding from countries like the UK and the US.