The International Day to Protect Education from Attack, celebrated annually on September 9th, was established by the United Nations in 2020 to raise awareness of the urgent need to safeguard educational institutions, students, and teachers from targeted violence during armed conflict. The day highlights the critical role of education in providing children and youth with the tools to rebuild their societies and futures, and it underscores the need to protect this fundamental right from deliberate attacks.

Schools, universities, students, and educators are increasingly becoming targets of violence, particularly in conflict zones. Attacks on education include bombings, abductions, sexual violence, military use of schools, and other forms of violence that disrupt access to safe learning environments. These acts not only harm individuals but also have long-term consequences for the development of societies.

The International Day to Protect Education from Attack serves as a platform for advocacy, urging governments and international organizations to take stronger measures to prevent attacks on education, ensure accountability for those responsible, and provide support to survivors. It also calls for greater investment in education in conflict-affected regions to build resilient educational systems that can withstand future crises.

On this day, events, discussions, and campaigns are organized to promote the safety of educational institutions and to affirm the commitment to the right to education, even in the most challenging environments.