Global attacks on education surge by 40% in 2025: Report
What's the story
A new report by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) has revealed a staggering 40% increase in attacks on educational institutions globally. The study, released on Monday, recorded over 8,556 incidents between 2024 and 2025. These attacks resulted in at least 10,600 students and staff being killed, injured, abducted, arrested, or otherwise harmed across 83 countries.
Affected regions
Ukraine, Palestine among countries with most attacks on education
The report highlights that the highest number of attacks were in Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Haiti, Palestine, and Ukraine. Ukraine alone saw around 900 attacks on educational institutions, while Palestine witnessed at least 2,400 such incidents. The study also noted a nearly twofold increase in military forces or armed groups occupying schools or universities from previous years.
Casualty hotspots
Myanmar, Nigeria saw highest number of casualties from attacks
The report also highlighted that Myanmar, Nigeria, Yemen, and Cameroon witnessed the highest number of casualties from attacks on education. In Nigeria alone, over 700 students and staff were kidnapped. Meanwhile, in Myanmar, at least 80 students and staff were killed, and around 240 were injured. The data paints a grim picture of the state of education worldwide amid rising violence.
Gender violence
Women, girls specifically targeted in attacks on education
The report also highlighted that women and girls were specifically targeted in attacks on education in at least 11 countries. A notable incident occurred in Nigeria on November 17, 2025, when gunmen attacked a girls' boarding school, killing the vice-principal and abducting 25 female pupils. The study also pointed out that students with disabilities weren't spared either from these violent acts.
Weaponry used
Explosive weapons used in attacks on schools, says report
The use of high explosives, including drone-borne munitions, was frequently reported in attacks on schools. This led to heavy casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. Kieran King from War Child UK called these acts a serious violation of international law, citing a 373% increase in grave violations against children since 2010. The report also emphasized that these attacks are preventable with proper legal protections and accountability measures.
Conflict escalation
Report comes amid rise in global conflicts
The report comes amid a rise in global conflicts, with Uppsala University's conflict data program recording 65 conflicts in 2025. This is the highest number since 1992. The year also witnessed over 244,000 deaths in organized violence, making it one of the deadliest years since the Rwandan genocide in 1994.