The importance of safeguarding education before and during conflict and crisis

Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends,

We are witnessing an increase of conflicts and crises globally, and a trend where they last longer. The consequences for future generations are devastating.

Safeguarding education and ensuring continuity of education for children growing up during conflict and crisis is crucial.

Education is under attack around the world. Attacks on schools and on education personnel are on the rise.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the war between Hamas and Israel demonstrate the devastating impact the destruction of educational facilities has on communities.

We need better and more systematic approaches to protect education in crises and conflict.

Norway has for several years consistently invested politically and financially in: 

• the provision of education, to ensure the continuation of education, including for displaced children and youth.  
• the protection of educational institutions from attacks and military use during conflicts and emergencies. 

Investing in education during conflict and crisis is key for resilience, reconciliation, and importantly contributes to create a sense of normalcy during war, as well as safe spaces where children can learn.

Safeguarding education is crucial. The Safe Schools Declaration is a political commitment and a valuable practical tool to prevent military use of schools and reduce the number of attacks on education in armed conflicts. Today 119 states have endorsed it.

I would also like to highlight the landmark Security Council resolution 2601 on the need to protect education in armed conflicts. This resolution was the first of its kind as it was uniquely dedicated to the protection of education. The resolution also makes the link between education, peace and security explicit.  

Because the resolution and the Safe Schools declaration exist, there is a standard that all parties to conflict are measured against. Norway works in partnership across all regions for universalization and implementation of the Declaration. Ukraine signed on to the Declaration in 2019 and is one of many endorsing states that has very relevant practice to share. For instance, Ukraine has carried out remarkable work to train military personnel in the Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use During Armed conflict. Their experience can be translated into practical recommendations that can be used by all parties to conflicts as well as other stakeholders.

With a commitment to ensure the continuation of education amidst war and conflict, Ukraine has ensured pragmatic and flexible solutions for children to learn.

With the current rise of authoritarian power and threats of right-wing populism, an educated population is our best investment for the future. Education fosters critical thinking amongst citizens who actively participate and take ownership of democratic values and institutions. An educated population is less likely to be lured by disinformation, propaganda, and extremism.

Democratic values are universal. They belong to all of us. Fulfillment of the right to education is key to the realization of all human rights and democratic freedoms.

I would like to share an example of civic education from Norway related to the terrorist attacks on 22 July 2011, the biggest terrorist attack in Norway during peace time. A part of this attack took place on Utøya, a small island where the Norwegian Labour Party Youth’s summer camp was held. 69 people were killed at Utøya this day, most of them young people.

Schools and education played and still play a crucial role in dealing with the trauma of this attack. They do this whilst fostering and safeguarding democratic values such as human dignity and diversity. The European Wergeland Centre plays an important role in providing Norwegian schools and teachers with advice, teaching materials and questions for reflection regarding this attack. They have also contributed to making Utøya a place for commemoration and learning. School children can visit the island both to commemorate the attack and engage in discussions about tolerance, diversity and democracy.

I will end by thanking our longstanding partners, the Council of Europe and the European Wergeland Centre for their important work and strong collaboration on the role of education in civic preparedness. Not only do they provide us with the necessary tools to succeed. They also facilitate exchange of experiences and lessons learned across European borders and beyond. We look forward to continuing this important work in collaboration with you.

Thank you.