Education International (EI) reaffirms its longstanding commitment to advocating for lasting peace, security, and the protection of human rights in the Middle East. We call on all State Parties, and non-state actors to end the violence, enforce an immediate ceasefire, and restore the functioning of schools throughout the region.
We call on the international community to take immediate steps to protect education, ensure safe learning environments, and support efforts to rebuild education systems in conflict affected areas.
We call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to halt the escalating violence, which continues to inflict devastating harm on civilians including students and teachers. Schools, students, and educators are being directly affected by the ongoing conflict with educational institutions coming under attack, leading to the closure of schools and universities.
Education, students, and teachers under attack
EI member organisations in Lebanon have reported dozens of teacher unionists killed, more than 80 wounded and thousands of others displaced from their homes. They explained that the numbers are still coming in, and that it is very hard to keep track as some areas don't have electricity or internet. Public education has shut down and hundreds of school facilities are now operating as shelters, with educators scrambling to find basic supplies, including water, blankets, and mats for displaced communities.
EI members also report widespread fear and trauma due to the ongoing conflict, marked by continuous bombing and attacks from Israel and Hezbollah. These military strikes have caused widespread casualties, mass displacement, and the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure, including health and educational facilities. An estimated 40% of Lebanon’s student population has been displaced due to the violence.
Remote learning is proving to be unfeasible due to the ongoing power outages, student displacement and unsuitable conditions in shelters.
Lebanese education unions call for a ceasefire
EI stands in solidarity with the education union leaders including the League of Public Technical and Vocational Teachers (CETO), the Ligue des Professeurs de l'Enseignement Secondaire Public du Liban (LPESPL), the Ligue des Professeurs de l'Université Libanaise (LDP-UL), the Public Primary Schools Teachers League in Lebanon (PPSTLL), and the Teachers Syndicate of Lebanon (TSL). Our immediate support initiative complements ongoing UN humanitarian efforts, ensuring that teacher unions in Lebanon can continue to communicate and provide essential support to their members.
"Our members in Lebanon are working non-stop to keep students and communities safe amid Israeli bombing and escalating violence . We call for an immediate ceasefire. Members of EI around the world are standing in solidarity with them," stated EI General Secretary, David Edwards.
"Education International stands with teachers, students, and the people of Lebanon as they call for an end to war in their country and safe conditions to resume education,” he added. "Our members just want peace so they can reopen schools and teach their students without fear."
Schools should never be targets of war or violence
EI reiterates that education must be protected at all costs, we urgently demand that all parties respect International Humanitarian Law, which prohibits attacks on schools. Access to education during times of conflict is a basic human right and key to building lasting peace, promoting understanding and preventing further radicalization.
As the conflict in the region expands, Education International reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the indiscriminate Israeli military operations, the release of all hostages, and a commitment to building lasting peace in the region. This destruction robs children of their fundamental right to education and threatens the future of entire generations in Lebanon and in the Arab region, perpetuating cycles of poverty, violence and instability.
Education key to build peace
"We have a clear mandate from our members to ensure that education builds peace. We advocate for peace and for a curriculum centered around coexistence and dialogue. As teachers we are working to put the world on a trajectory towards peace,” said EI President Mugwena Maluleke.
"Schools and education facilities should be respected as safe sanctuaries by all armed actors and never targets or war or violence," he added.
At the 10th World Congress, education unions made a strong call for peace, and took a stand against excessive military spending, urging governments to focus on promoting peace, including through education.
A stable, peaceful, and secure Middle East is vital for the region and the world. Protecting education must be a priority.