52 Million Children Out of Education in the Middle East Due to Conflicts
Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and surrounding regions have dealt a severe blow to the education of millions of children. According to United Nations data, at least 52 million school-aged children in the region have experienced disruptions to their education. While some children have been forced to drop out of school entirely, many others have shifted to distance learning or become completely disconnected from education.
In Lebanon, widespread displacement has led to the repurposing of approximately 900 public schools as shelters, significantly disrupting the country’s education system. Similarly, in Iran, dozens of schools have reportedly been destroyed due to airstrikes, while in the West Bank, most schools remain closed due to security risks. In several Gulf countries, education has shifted to remote learning amid rising security concerns, and schools in Israel have also been temporarily closed.
The impact of the conflict has extended beyond the immediate region. In Pakistan, schools have been temporarily shut down as part of fuel-saving measures, highlighting the broader global implications of the crisis.
Experts warn that disruptions in education affect not only academic achievement but also children’s psychological resilience and safety. According to education specialists, without the development of long-term policies, the risk of a “lost generation” growing up in the shadow of conflict continues to increase.