The latest global data reveal an alarming escalation in attacks on schools. In 2025, 1,680 attacks on schools were verified by the United Nations – an increase of 33% compared to 1,265 attacks in 2024. Nearly 80% of all out-of-school crisis-affected children – some 74 million – live in just 20 countries facing the world’s most severe crises. Within these settings, the barriers to learning are steepest for the most vulnerable: 74% of refugee children, 52% of internally displaced children, and 45% of children with disabilities are out of school.
Read UNESCO’s press release from International Day to Protect Education from Attack.