United Nations Secretary-General's message on the International Day to Protect Education from Attack

This year, September 9 is the "International Day to Protect Education from Attack" established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a message on that day, emphasizing the urgency and importance of protecting education.

Guterres pointed out that in recent years, attacks on students, teachers, educators and schools have increased sharply in various parts of the world, including the Gaza Strip. Conflicts have had an immeasurable impact on children and young people, and education, a right crucial for the realization of human rights, continues to be violated.

He called on all countries and regions to spare no effort in protecting education and learning places and protecting students and teachers. Those who attack learning places must be held accountable. At the same time, education should be protected from attacks and the right to education of every child and young person around the world should be defended.

According to relevant reports, in the past few years, there have been many incidents around the world where schools and universities have been used for military purposes and been attacked. Many students and educators have been killed, kidnapped, arrested or injured, and most of the victims are women and girls. These attacks not only deprive millions of students of the opportunity to receive an education, but also increase the risk of armed groups committing sexual violence and recruiting child soldiers.

Guterres urged member states to endorse and implement the Safe Schools Declaration, support the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, and join relevant global initiatives to pool the strength of partners and ensure that children and young people can continue to learn during crises. He emphasized the need to strengthen monitoring, investigate all attacks and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Education is an important driving force for achieving peace and sustainable development and is a fundamental human right. Guterres' message aims to draw global attention to the issue of protecting education from attacks and push countries to take practical actions to create a safe learning environment for children so that they can pursue knowledge in peace and tranquility and thrive and contribute to the peace and development of the future world.