UNESCO warns of 33% increase in attacks on schools

UNESCO has issued a warning regarding a dramatic increase in attacks on schools within conflict zones. United Nations data confirms 1,680 attacks on schools in 2025, representing a 33% increase from the 1,265 attacks recorded in 2024. These incidents involve attacks by armed forces or non-state armed groups during armed conflicts and do not include isolated incidents of gun or knife violence in non-conflict countries.

A broader educational crisis is unfolding, with UNESCO estimating that approximately 258 million children and adolescents worldwide have had their education disrupted by war, displacement, and other crises. Of these, 93 million are completely out of school. Approximately 74 million of these children live in just 20 countries facing severe humanitarian situations. Vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected, including 74% of refugee children, 52% of internally displaced children, and 45% of children with disabilities in crisis areas.