Attacks on Schools Rise 33% in 2025 as Millions of Children Face Disrupted Education
Global Education: Attacks on educational institutions increased sharply worldwide in 2025, with new international data showing that 1,680 attacks on schools were verified during the year, compared with 1,265 in 2024.
The latest figures represent a 33% increase in verified attacks and highlight the growing disruption faced by children and teachers living in conflict and crisis-affected areas.
Millions of Children Face Education Disruption
The broader education crisis extends beyond direct attacks on schools. An estimated 258 million children and adolescents have had their education disrupted by crises worldwide, while approximately 93 million are completely out of school.
The impact is particularly significant in countries experiencing prolonged conflicts and humanitarian emergencies.
Crisis-Affected Children Face Major Barriers
Around 74 million out-of-school children affected by crises live in 20 countries facing some of the world’s most severe emergencies.
The data also shows substantial differences among vulnerable groups. About 74% of refugee children, 52% of internally displaced children and 45% of children with disabilities in these crisis settings are out of school.
Serious Violations Against Children Also Increased
The rise in attacks on educational facilities comes amid a broader increase in serious violations affecting children in conflict situations.
During 2025, the United Nations verified 38,558 grave violations against children, involving 24,174 children. The figure was the highest recorded since the UN monitoring mandate began.
Education Systems Need Greater Protection
Damage to schools can interrupt education long after an individual attack has ended. Students may lose access to classrooms, teachers and learning materials, while displaced families can face additional difficulties in keeping children in education.
UNESCO is working with partners in more than 20 countries affected by conflict and crisis. Its efforts include strengthening preparedness, maintaining learning opportunities when schools are disrupted and supporting education recovery.
New Global Action Framework
In April 2026, UNESCO’s Executive Board adopted a new Plan of Action to Protect Education from Attack. The framework is intended to strengthen measures for protecting schools and universities and maintaining education during crises.
The latest figures underline the scale of the challenge facing education systems in conflict-affected parts of the world. Continued monitoring of attacks and education disruption remains important for identifying where students and teachers face the greatest risks.
