Executive Human Rights Report

The Right to Education During Wars: When the Future Becomes a Victim of Conflict

Analytical Report issued by BAMRO – Belgian Association for Human Rights and Development

Introduction

Education is one of the fundamental rights guaranteed by international human rights instruments and represents a cornerstone for building stable and developed societies. However, ongoing armed conflicts and wars in different parts of the world have deprived millions of children and young people of this essential right.

In recent years, violations related to the right to education in conflict zones have significantly increased. Schools have been destroyed or closed, millions of children have been displaced, and many teachers and students have lost safe access to educational institutions.

This reality demonstrates that education is no longer merely a social service, but a humanitarian and human rights issue directly linked to protecting human dignity and preventing the loss of entire generations due to war.

First: The Impact of Wars on Education

Armed conflicts disrupt educational systems both directly and indirectly through:

• destruction of schools and educational infrastructure,
• displacement of families and children,
• long interruptions in schooling,
• shortage of teachers and educational staff,
• military use of schools,
• increasing illiteracy and school dropout rates.

Wars also have severe psychological effects on children, negatively affecting their ability to learn and achieve social stability.

Second: Legal Protection of the Right to Education

International legal instruments guarantee the right to education, including:

• Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
• Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
• the Convention on the Rights of the Child,
• the Geneva Conventions related to civilian protection during armed conflicts.

These instruments oblige states and parties to conflicts to protect educational institutions and ensure the continuity of education even during crises.

Third: Current Humanitarian Challenges

Several regions around the world are facing alarming educational conditions during conflicts, particularly in:

• Sudan,
• Gaza,
• parts of Africa and the Middle East,
• displacement and refugee areas.

International reports indicate that millions of children risk losing entire years of education, which will negatively affect future social stability, economic development, and human rights.

Girls and displaced children face additional risks including:

• child labor,
• early marriage,
• exploitation and violence,
• long-term deprivation of education.

Fourth: Why Protecting Education Matters

Education is not only an individual right but also a vital tool for peacebuilding, stability, and preventing extremism and violence.

Maintaining education during crises helps:

• protect children psychologically and socially,
• reduce risks of exploitation,
• support future reconstruction and development,
• preserve the cultural and social identity of communities.

Fifth: BAMRO Recommendations

BAMRO – Belgian Association for Human Rights and Development recommends:

1. Protecting schools and educational institutions from military attacks.
2. Ensuring access to education for displaced and refugee children.
3. Supporting emergency education programs in conflict zones.
4. Strengthening psychological support for war-affected children.
5. Holding accountable those responsible for attacks on educational institutions.
6. Enhancing international cooperation to ensure continuity of education during humanitarian crises.