Urgent calls to protect education in conflict

United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601 – global agreement on the right to education in conflict situations

In introducing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601, H.E. Ambassador Andreas Løvold from Norway noted the complexity of the negotiation process and emphasized the significant role of Norway in building momentum. He cited multiple milestones on that road, such as the Fourth International Conference of the Safe Schools Declaration as well as the the UNSC Presidential statement on children in armed conflict.  

Ms. Halimatou Hima Moussa Dioula, Senior Fragility specialist at the World Bank, who spearheaded the process, identified as key contributing factors the early and multidimensional engagement, the focus on incremental progress, as well as the extensive bilateral and regional engagements. She raised the alarm that the ongoing insecurity in conflict-affected areas poses a significant threat to children's access to education and is expanding in both scope and intensity. In addition, she stressed the importance of education as a fundamental human right and its crucial role in achieving various development goals.

H.E. Ambassador Adrian Hauri from Switzerland also engaged in the discussion, and stressed the need for parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and investigate violations while emphasizing the importance of adequate funding. 

Implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601 – challenges and pathways

Several participants discussed their respective approaches to implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601 and enhancing the safeguarding of education during conflicts.

Ms. Dragica Mikavica underscored efforts of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict in implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601. Notably, the office signed multiple action plans and commitments with parties in Iraq, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to end and prevent grave violations. Ms. Mikavica stressed the need to implement these normative frameworks and emphasized on the importance of prevention.

Mr. Ernesto Ran from UNICEF highlighted UNICEF support for school protection and promoted uninterrupted education in humanitarian settings. UNICEF has also incorporated innovative learning solutions outside of traditional school settings. 

H.E. Ambassador Tijjani Muhammad Bande from Nigeria and H.E. Ambassador Leonor Zalabata Torres from Colombia also participated in the discussion and took similar approaches to tackle the school safety issue. Nigeria established multi-sectoral emergency support centers involving the military and intelligence agencies that emphasized on security training; and Colombia implemented conflict prevention training programs responding to the threats to the right to education. 

Ms. Lily Gray, Senior Liaison Officer in the UNESCO Office in New York, highlighted crucial milestones in the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601. At the global level, UNESCO serves as a neutral broker of international agreements and engages in sustained advocacy on the right to education. Recently, UNESCO adopted with consensus the revised Recommendation for education for peace. This new international standard helps in advancing the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601 and promoting peace through education. It will create a new social contract for education based on human rights and aimed at redressing injustices and equipping learners of all ages with the knowledge needed to shape a more sustainable future.

Ms. Gray also highlighted UNESCO's efforts to offer diverse support, crisis-sensitive policy and planning, research, guidance, and provision of psychosocial support and essential knowledge at national level. In Afghanistan, UNESCO collaborated with UNICEF and the World Bank on a community-based literacy program for 40,000 learners who never had the chance of learning before.In Ukraine, UNESCO provides devices, mental health support, and teacher training to children and educators, many of whom are displaced. In Yemen, UNESCO has led working to build consensus around key education priorities under acute emergency situations.

In addition, Ms. Emilia Sorrentino from Plan International joined the discussion and shared Plan International’s implementation. Highlighting Member States’ key roles in supporting the implementation, Ms. Bethany Ellis from Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict proposed areas for Member States to take further actions effectively. 

Way forward

Concluding the event, H.E. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier from Malta expressed Malta’s support to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601 and the Safe Schools Declaration. She drew upon insights gathered from all the speakers and stressed the need to translate frameworks into concrete action.

The discussion on the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601 demonstrated the commitment of various stakeholders to protect education during conflicts. The event provided valuable insights into the steps taken by countries, organizations, and United Nations agencies to ensure the safety of educational institutions, students, and teachers.