In the last two years in Mali, for example, teachers were threatened and killed education facilities demolished, and learning material burnt leading to the closure of over 1,260 schools, even before COVID-19. I am concerned that this violation does not decrease over the years on the contrary, there seems to be an emerging tactic of war, particularly in the Sahel, where schools are targeted precisely because they are schools, and even more if they cater to girls. Such progress is welcome but, unfortunately, it is not enough. Some member states took up this challenge and launched the Safe Schools Declaration in 2015, which today boasts 105 signatories demonstrating that where there is a will, there is a way. In 2014, in Resolution 2143, the Council recognised that the military use of schools is critically affecting children’s access to education but decided not to expand listing criteria, calling instead for Member States to take “concrete measures” to deter from the military use of schools. In 2011, Security Council resolution 1998 called to ensure that schools are protected and expanded the listing criteria of the Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict to include attacks on schools, and attacks and threats on education personnel.
Yesterday we celebrated the first International Day to Protect Education from Attack. I thank Niger for convening this open debate and I also welcome our young briefers. Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed ConflictĮxcellence Ambassadeur Abdou Abarry, Excellencies, Security Council Open Debate Children and Armed Conflict: Attacks against Schools as a Grave Violation of Children’s Rights Voices for Children Affected by Conflict.ACT TO PROTECT children affected by conflict.Virtual Summer School on Child Protection in Armed Conflict.Ratification status of the Optional Protocol.
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