Attacks on education, pupils and staff around the world up by 40%, says study
📰 The Guardian · 📅 Jun 15, 2026, 04:00 AM · 🌐 theguardian.com
AI Summary & Analysis
What happened?
A study from the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) reports that 8,556 attacks on education, students and staff occurred across 83 countries in 2024 and 2025, causing at least 10,600 students and education staff to be killed, injured, abducted, arrested or otherwise harmed, a 40% rise from prior periods, with the highest number of incidents recorded in Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Palestine and Ukraine.
Why does this event matter?
The surge in attacks on education disrupts learning access for millions of people, undermines long-term development in affected communities and countries, and violates international humanitarian and human rights law that protects civilian educational infrastructure and personnel during conflict and crisis.
Cases reported in 83 countries, with at least 10,600 students and staff killed, injured, abducted or arrested, GCPEA says Attacks on education globally have surged by 40% with more than 8,556 recorded incidents and 10,600 students and staff killed, injured, abducted, arrested or otherwise harmed in 2024 and 2025, according to new research. Attacks were reported in 83 countries, with the highest incidences recorded in Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Palestine and Ukraine. Continue reading...
