Education Under Attack: A Global Crisis Affecting 222 Million Children

Strategic Insights -

As the world observes the United Nations International Day to Protect Education from Attack, a stark reality becomes clear: the global education crisis is worsening. Despite the efforts of organizations like the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, millions of children remain out of school due to conflicts, emergencies, and displacement. The statistics are alarming: 85 million children are entirely out of school, with 52% of them being girls, and over 20% having disabilities. These numbers have risen significantly since 2023, with a staggering 13 million more children affected. The EAA Foundation's "Reshaping Action" exhibition and the Youth Hub dialogue in Geneva serve as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of war on education and the resilience of children and teachers striving to learn.

Key Takeaways:

  • As of early 2025, 85 million children are entirely out of school due to wars, armed conflict, and emergencies, a rise from 72 million reported in 2023.
  • 52% of these children are girls, and over 20% (more than 17 million) are children with disabilities.
  • 17% (15 million) of these out-of-school children are forcibly displaced, either as refugees or internally displaced persons.
  • The five protracted crisis zones with the highest number of out-of-school children are Sudan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Pakistan.
  • The deliberate targeting and disruption of education systems are not only violating children's rights but also inflicting enduring damage on societal stability.
  • The EAA Foundation's "Reshaping Action" exhibition highlights the resilience of children and teachers striving to learn amid bombed schools, underground lessons, and makeshift classrooms.
  • The exhibition serves as a global call to defend the right to learn, urging leaders and the international community to unite and protect education in times of crisis.

Statistics:

  • 85 million children are entirely out of school due to wars, armed conflict, and emergencies (as of early 2025).
  • 52% of these children are girls.
  • Over 20% (more than 17 million) are children with disabilities.
  • 17% (15 million) of these out-of-school children are forcibly displaced, either as refugees or internally displaced persons.
  • 222 million children worldwide have their futures threatened by conflict and displacement.
  • Since 2023, 13 million more children have been affected by the global education crisis.

Sources:

  • EAA Foundation:

* "Education Under Attack: A Global Crisis Affecting 222 Million Children" (no date specified)

  • United Nations International Day to Protect Education from Attack:

* Resolution at the United Nations General Assembly in 2020 (no date specified)

  • QatarDebate:

* "Words Uniting Worlds: Action for Education" (no date specified)