EDUCATION IN CONFLICT ZONE: PROTECTING LEARNING AS A HUMAN RIGHT

Abstract

Education in conflict zones face systematic disruption, thus it is to be protected as a basic human right under international law. This chapter mainly focuses on education as a fundamental right even during war and armed conflicts. It also explains how conflict can damage education systems by attacks on schools, displacement of people and communities, psychosocial trauma which impacts students and teachers, shortage of teachers in conflict-hit zones, and impact of armed conflict on curriculum. This chapter also highlights the legal protection of schools as civilian infrastructure and the risks created by their military use for war or conflict purposes. It also explores practical strategies which can be implemented to protect learning, including military doctrine reforms, community based education, hybrid and low tech delivery models, and sustained teacher protection and support especially in the areas where the educational infrastructure is damaged due to shelling and arms. This chapter will also show the importance of education as an important aspect for conflict recovery and maintaining peace in the regions of impact, by emphasizing on social education, curriculum amendments and long term investment in peace. It is also worth mentioning that protecting education in a conflict hit setting is a legal obligation and a moral responsibility for foundation of sustainable and long-lasting peace.