UN reports school attacks rose 40% to record 8,500 in 2024-2025

September 9, 2026 at 01:21 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The UN recorded more than 8,500 attacks on education in 2024-2025, a 40% rise and the highest number ever monitored. At least 10,600 students and educators were killed, injured, or abducted. The figures were released on the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, marked September 9.

Key Facts

The UN recorded more than 8,500 attacks on education in 2024-2025, a 40% increase over the previous period.
At least 10,600 students and educators were killed, injured, or abducted during the same period.
The use of schools by military forces nearly doubled, according to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack.
258 million children in 87 crisis-affected countries face severe disruptions to learning, 21 million more than 18 months ago.
The UN confirmed over 38,000 grave violations against children in armed conflict in 2025, the highest in 30 years of monitoring.

Record Attack Levels

The Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack documented more than 8,500 attacks on education in 2024-2025. The figure represents a 40% rise from the previous period and the highest number since monitoring began. At least 10,600 students and educators were killed, injured, or abducted in these attacks. The scale of military use of schools nearly doubled during the same period.

UN Leadership Response

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said education is becoming increasingly dangerous amid rising armed conflicts. He called education a fundamental human right and a ticket to a better future for every child. Guterres urged states to guarantee the right to education and the safety of educational institutions. He also called on parties to conflict to prevent attacks on schools and hold perpetrators accountable.

Crisis Impact and Funding

258 million children in 87 crisis-affected countries face severe disruptions to learning, up 21 million from 18 months ago. Of those, 93 million children are entirely out of school. The UN confirmed over 38,000 grave violations against children in armed conflict in 2025, the highest in 30 years. Education Cannot Wait Director Yasmine Sherif said girls out of school face higher risk of gender-based violence and boys face forced recruitment into armed groups. The fund launched the Hope Starts Here campaign aiming to raise $600 million to provide safe, quality education for 10 million children in the most critical situations.