Protecting Education in Conflict: A Decade of the Safe Schools Declaration

The 5th International Conference on the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD), held in Nairobi in November 2025, marked the 10th anniversary of a global commitment to protect education during armed conflict. The declaration, now endorsed by 122 countries, aims to prevent attacks on schools, students, and teachers while strengthening accountability for violations. The conference gathered over 400 participants from 57 governments, along with UN agencies, civil society, and youth advocates, to review progress and address ongoing gaps.

A key outcome was the Nairobi Outcome Document, which calls for stronger national implementation of SSD commitments, improved monitoring systems, and greater inclusion of youth and survivor voices in policy discussions. Participants emphasized that protecting education requires local partnerships, gender-responsive policies, and stronger legal frameworks to prevent the military use of schools and ensure justice for victims.

These discussions highlight a growing recognition that protecting education is not only a security issue but also a human rights priority. Looking toward 2026, a meaningful direction will be to document how conflict and political instability continue to disrupt learning, while amplifying the perspectives of young people who advocate for safer education systems. Strengthening collaboration with education institutions and human rights organizations can also help connect global policy commitments with the everyday realities students face in fragile contexts.

Official Source