Conflict hits schooling hardest where children are the target – study
Conflict significantly disrupts education, particularly in regions where children are directly targeted. According to UNESCO, approximately 250 million children worldwide are out of school, with a staggering percentage of these children residing in conflict-affected countries. For instance, in the Central African Republic and South Sudan, over half of primary school-age children are not attending school. Research indicates that armed groups often employ tactics that specifically endanger children, such as recruiting child soldiers or committing acts of sexual violence. These actions not only create a general atmosphere of insecurity but also directly threaten children's safety and well-being. Our recent study, which analyzed data from nearly 700,000 children across 30 sub-Saharan African countries, reveals that the impact of conflict on school enrollment is particularly severe when children are targeted. In areas where child recruitment occurs, school enrollment declines by about 3.2%, while exposure to sexual violence results in a staggering 9.5% drop. Girls are disproportionately affected, facing a decline in enrollment that is roughly double that of boys, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive approaches in education policy. Understanding the nuances of how conflict affects education is crucial for policymakers. Efforts to rebuild infrastructure and improve access to education must be complemented by strategies aimed at ensuring children's safety. This includes addressing the root causes of violence and creating secure pathways to schools. Ultimately, protecting education in conflict zones requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children, ensuring that they can learn in a secure environment.
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