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Why is it important to protect schools?

Starting in 2011, schools have been targeted and destroyed by all different parties to the Syrian conflict. Our groups have documented a total of 1,292 attacks on Syrian schools since the conflict began. The United Nations estimated at the end of 2014 that 4,072 schools have been closed, damaged, or used as a shelter by the displaced as a result of the conflict. Others put the number even higher.

These attacks have not only destroyed educational facilities but also caused long-term physical and psychological harm to children, parents, families, teachers, and ripped apart whole communities. The damage to the educational infrastructure inside Syria will take decades to repair; the damage to millions of lives may never be undone.

“I really like school, but the moment I reach school and until I leave, I feel nervous, I am always scared that the airplane will come while we are at school,” says 10-year old Nadeen* who experienced an airstrike at her school and who still carries the fear and trauma with her. “Every time I hear the sound of the plane, I remember the day of the massacre.”

The countless terrible consequences of attacks on schools on children like Nadeen and so many others who have been traumatized, maimed, and killed have been exacerbated by a lack of genuine responses to address victim’s needs and claims for justice and effective action to stop attacks and protect children and other civilians from the conflict.