Record attacks on schools leave 93 million children out of class, UN warns

September usually heralds the beginning of the school year for millions of students in the northern hemisphere, yet education experts warned on Wednesday that an estimated 93 million children remain out of the classroom. The figure reflects a surge in attacks on learning environments, including bombings, raids, and other forms of violence that have disrupted schooling across conflict‑affected regions. Data compiled by international monitoring bodies show that the number of children denied access to education has risen sharply in recent months, surpassing previous records for school‑related attacks.

The unprecedented scale of the crisis has prompted calls from governments, NGOs, and intergovernmental agencies for stronger protective measures and rapid restoration of educational services. Stakeholders emphasize that safeguarding schools and ensuring continuity of learning are essential to prevent long‑term socioeconomic repercussions for the affected youth. The situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action to secure safe learning spaces for all children.