The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proposed by Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser regarding the allocation of September 9 as “World Day to Protect Education from Attacks”, and Qatar led it to mobilize international support to ensure accountability for the ongoing and deliberate attacks on education and armed violence suffered by children in all around the world.
The country proposal, which was adopted by consensus and sponsored by 57 member states, aims to raise awareness of the suffering of children affected by armed conflict and their urgent need for educational support.
This day will serve as an annual platform for the international community to review progress and new data, commit to effective mechanisms to hold perpetrators of these attacks accountable, and end impunity.
As governments continue to address the multifaceted impact of the Covid-19 crisis that led to school closures, the United Nations General Assembly is sending a clear message about the importance of protecting schools as a safe haven to protect students and teachers, as well as the need to make education protection at the top of the global agenda to reduce From the widening educational gaps that increase the risk of crises and insecurity in difficult circumstances.
Sheikha Moza submitted a proposal to establish an "International Annual Day for the Protection of Education" during her participation in the Social Forum of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva last year.
On this occasion, Sheikha Moza, a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Defenders Group, said, "Amid the repercussions of this global epidemic, it has become very important to ensure that epidemics of armed conflict and illiteracy that were previously prevalent do not spread," welcoming the recognition of the United Nations General Assembly. The importance of this urgent issue and the creation of a world day to protect education from attacks.
She considered that the challenge facing the international community is the ability to provide education for all by moving from political will to real change on the ground.
She added that attacks on schools must stop, and the perpetrators of these heinous attacks must be held accountable, so that millions of children deprived of education in conflict areas can aspire to a better future, "Education is the foundation of their lives and we must protect it."
For his part, UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the adoption by the General Assembly of Resolution No. 74-275, saying, "We must guarantee children a safe environment to continue their education and acquire the skills they need for the future."
Guterres particularly appreciated the contribution of Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who in September last year called for an annual day to protect education from attacks. Indeed, September 9 was set for this International Day.