Minister Shaheen Calls for Action to Protect Education in Conflict Zones at the International Day to Protect Education from Attack
In a powerful address at the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, Dr. Varsen Shaheen, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, called on the international community to take urgent and concrete action to safeguard the right to education, particularly for children living in conflict zones. The event, hosted in Doha, Qatar, by Her Excellency Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, brought together global leaders, educators, and advocates to reaffirm the global commitment to protecting education in times of conflict.
In her speech, Minister Shaheen stressed the importance of this day, which aligns with the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2601, which calls for the protection of education in conflict zones and strongly condemns attacks on schools, students, and educators.
The Minister highlighted the ongoing plight of Palestinian children and educators who continue to face gross violations of their rights under Israel’s occupation of State of Palestine . Also, the Minister referenced the grievous toll on Palestinian civilians, particularly children, and the deliberate targeting of educational institutions by Israeli forces, resulting in destruction and immense psychological and physical harm.
“The Palestinian civilian population, particularly our children, continues to suffer immensely as Israel intensifies its unlawful occupation,” the Minister stated. “In Gaza alone, 9,839 students and 522 educators have been unlawfully killed. Thousands more have been left with permanent disabilities and psychological trauma, while entire universities have been bombed and destroyed.”
Dr. Shaheen further pointed to the severe disruption of education in Gaza and the West Bank, noting that over 620,000 Gazan students have been prevented from continuing their education, while 76 students, 34 university students, and 2 educational staff members in the West Bank have been unlawfully killed.
Minister Shaheen called on the international community to stand in solidarity with all those deprived of their right to education and emphasized the need for concrete measures to protect Palestinian children. The Minister concluded by reaffirming the State of Palestine’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of children and urging the global community to uphold its legal, political, humanitarian, and moral obligations.