International Day to Protect Education from Attack

Have you ever imagined, what would it feel like to be without the basic right to get an education and be threatened for your child's life at the same time?

It's hard, right? or 

We don't want to imagine that! just the thought of it shatters one soul into pieces 

One of the dates that no Pakistani can forget is December 16.  The trauma of the APS strike which crippled Pakistan is still fresh in our memories. It was an attack on the security and education of kids. The whole of Pakistan honors the sacrifices of the APS martyrs on the International Day to Protect Education from Attack.

 Education is essential because high levels of education completion are associated with lower crime, better overall health, and greater democratic participation.  Conflict, on the other hand, prevents schools from opening and increases teacher absenteeism. Conflict puts kids’ safety at risk when they travel to and from school, which results in unequal opportunities for kids in affected communities.

As a result, each year, September 9 is declared as International Day to Protect Education From Attack. The goal of the day is to protect children's education. To defend and protect children's futures, the United Nations General Assembly founded International Day to Protect Education From Attack. This day, established in 2020, is supported by UNESCO, UNICEF, and 62 countries.

BACKGROUND OF INTERNATIONAL DAY TO PROTECT EDUCATION FROM ATTACK

A child's ability to receive education and the growth of society can be seriously and permanently impacted by attacks on schools, students, and teachers. These sad occurrences have occurred recently all around the world, but mainly in the United States and in war-prone nations like Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Chad, the Sahel area of Africa, Syria, Yemen, and many others.

The purpose of International day to Protect Education from Attack is to increase public awareness of the condition of the numerous students who reside in war-torn nations. Its major objective is to protect and influence the future of more than 75 million schoolchildren, who live in 35 different countries and range in age from 3 to 18. This day conveys a strong message about the value of protecting schools, the safety of students and teachers, and providing continuous access to education for kids.

In addition to breaking international humanitarian law, attacks on education have the potential to destroy these children's futures. School dropout rates rise as a result of attacks on education that result in long-term suspensions of learning and education.

Goals 

It highlights the importance of stepping up efforts and funding to support safe learning environments in times of humanitarian crisis by taking all practical precautions to safeguard educational institutions, students, and staff. Also, to refrain from taking any actions that would prevent children from accessing education, and make access to education easier in times of armed conflict.

The annual observance of the Day is coordinated by UNESCO and UNICEF in close cooperation with partners both inside and outside the UN system. By operating on the front lines in countries that have experienced armed conflict, UN agencies have long assisted the Member States in strengthening their capacity to guarantee that everyone has access to top-notch educational opportunities during times of crisis.

Why this day is important for Pakistan? 

 Children are easily targeted for abuse, exploitation, and recruitment by armed forces and other organizations when they are not in school. A good education system can save many lives. Schools should offer a secure environment where kids may be shielded from dangers and emergencies. It is also essential for ending the crisis cycle and lowering the possibility of further confrontations. Attacks by terrorist organizations on educational institutions are used to promote intolerance and exclusion, target government symbols, and impose gender inequality, particularly by stopping females from attending school.

On December 16, the TTP attacked the Army Public School, resulting in the martyrdom of 150 people, including more than 130 children. The systematic killing that took place not only left the people of KP hurt but also affected every Pakistani emotionally. The military initiated a full-scale battle to eradicate terrorism that was targeting Pakistan's most vulnerable citizens after the attack because APS went beyond the point at which humanity tolerance could no longer be maintained. We commend the fortitude of the APS parents and their kids, whose sacrifices for the nation will always be cherished.

We must bare in mind that the nation's commitment to fighting terrorism is a result of the sacrifices made by APS martyrs. Nearly 150 people, including 132 children, lost their lives when TTP militants stormed the school and, in the most horrific orgy of violence imaginable, went from room to room slaughtering students and staff members. APS attack was the second deadliest terrorist attack in Pakistan, but in terms of the impact, it was unprecedented. Pakistan won its battle against terrorism shortly after the APS attack but many are still reeling mostly emotionally.

SOME FACTS 

 Terrorist organizations, including the TTP, Boko Haram, Al Shahab, and the Afghan Taliban, have increasingly employed attacks against educational institutions as a tool of terror.at least 22 teachers and education professionals ARE ATTACKED by sub-nationalist militants in Baluchistan province between 2008 and 2010. Terrorist assaults on educational institutions have increased during the last decade or so.

Every child has right to safe education and Pakistan is continuously making an effort. fight against terrorism is still an on going process but with the continuous effort of Pakistan Army things are turning to the brighter side.