Education is a fundamental human right. For children and youth caught up in emergency situations, education not only means the continuity of learning, but it also provides a sense of normalcy and the key to a different future.

In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared the 9th of September as International Day to Protect Education from Attack. The resolution proclaiming the day was presented by the State of Qatar and co-sponsored by 62 countries. It designates UNESCO and UNICEF as United Nations agencies responsible for raising awareness of the plight of the millions of children and young people affected by attacks in under-resourced communities globally as well as exacerbation of structural inequalities in and beyond education.

Schools, universities and educational dwellings should always be safe havens to foster peace and development. However, in most countries with armed conflicts, the military use of schools and other educational institutions remains a constant feature, depriving students of their right to access quality education and teachers from the ability to deliver learning adequately. Incidents of violence in schools and within the wide school community can also have serious, long-term physical and psychological repercussions for students and teachers. They can suspend teaching and learning, lead to a significant increase in dropout rates and prevent students from accessing their right to quality education.

In celebration of this day, the Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO stresses on the importance of safe schools to access quality education, but also the need to strengthen the protection of education in our nation.