Protecting Education from Armed Conflict in Colombia
-
Loading... - Kevin Sinclair
- 09 Sep 2024
- 57 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
The armed conflict in Colombia continues to severely impact the education system, with over 7,500 students, teachers, and school staff affected between January and July 2024, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Attacks on education have escalated, particularly in regions like Cauca, where violence from armed groups has surged. These attacks include the military occupation of schools, use of landmines, and forced child recruitment.
In 2024, attacks on education rose by 17%, from 107 to 125 compared to the same period in 2023. The NRC is urging all armed actors, including government forces and armed groups, to respect schools as safe spaces. Despite efforts by authorities, many incidents still lack proper follow-up, including the need for psychological support and mine risk education for affected children.
The situation in Cauca is particularly dire, accounting for almost one-third of the attacks in the country, with violence continuing to escalate due to stalled peace negotiations. Giovanni Rizzo, the NRC’s Country Director in Colombia, emphasized the urgent need for international support to protect education in conflict zones. Out of the requested $16 million in aid for education, $9 million is still needed to address the critical needs of those affected by the ongoing conflict.
This crisis threatens to disrupt learning for thousands of children, putting their futures at risk unless immediate action is taken to restore safety in schools.
