Attacks on Schools and Educators Worldwide Increased by 40 Percent
Violent attacks against schools, students, and education workers have increased significantly worldwide over the past two years. According to new research published by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), attacks on education rose by 40 percent in 2024 and 2025. During this period, more than 8,556 incidents were recorded in 83 countries, while at least 10,600 students and education workers were killed, injured, abducted, arrested, or otherwise harmed.
According to the report, the countries with the highest number of attacks included Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Palestine, and Ukraine. Around 900 attacks on schools were recorded in Ukraine, while at least 2,400 attacks against students and education workers were reported in Palestine.
The report also highlighted Myanmar, Nigeria, Yemen, and Cameroon among the countries most affected by the attacks. In these countries, more than 1,700 students and education workers were killed or injured in total. In Nigeria, more than 700 students and education staff were abducted, while in Myanmar, at least 80 students and education workers were killed and around 240 were injured.
The research also showed that women and girls were targeted because of their gender in at least 11 countries. Experts emphasize that attacks on education destroy not only school buildings but also children’s sense of safety, future expectations, and trust in educational institutions. The frequent use of drones, high explosives, and heavy weapons in these attacks has increased casualties and infrastructure damage, while also forcing many schools to close.