Education in emergencies and reconstruction

Over 40 national education systems have been affected by conflict since 1990

Conflict and its consequences are more prevalent than ever
In early 2004, war and persecution resulted in some 10 million refugees and 25 million internally displaced people worldwide. 2003 saw a total of 36 armed conflicts in 28 countries. The disruptive effects on the education of millions of children are clear: In almost 3/4 of the states at war, children under 15 make up more than a third of the population. Most armed conflicts involve child combatants.
Education in emergency situations is still a relatively new and complex field. An appropriate response must be provided, if possible before the crisis ends and during the early reconstruction period. Education is a key component of the longer term peace-building and nation-building processes.

Providing research to help achieve education for all in conflict-affected countries
Current research activities include:

• a state-of-the-art review (published in 2002)
• a Guidebook on the planning and management of education in emergencies and reconstruction (underway), spanning: access and inclusion, teachers, curriculum, education system management etc.
• Country case studies: on Rwanda and Rwandan refugees, Kosovo and East Timor. Research has been carried out in Burundi and Southern Sudan.
• Thematic policy studies dealing with: co-ordinating education, management of teachers, post-conflict integration of youth and accreditation in emergencies and reconstruction

Forced Migration Review
IIEP is collaborating with the Norwegian Refugee Council to advise the Refugee Studies Centre ( University of Oxford ) on editorial content for its journal Forced Migration Review. For more information, see www.fmreview.org.

The IIEP also provides training and technical assistance.
More information on activities related to education and emergencies