Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism – Acting unanimously on Friday, the Security Council adopted a unique resolution strongly condemning attacks against schools, children and teachers and urging conflict parties to immediately safeguard the right to education.
While the 15-member Council has issued previous statements decrying attacks on schools, this is its first resolution to explicitly focus on the link between education and peace and security.
Through resolution 2601 (2021), delegates emphasized the invaluable role education plays for individuals and society, including as life-saving safe spaces. They noted that providing, protecting and facilitating the continuation of education in armed conflict, should remain a key priority for the international community.
The Council also urged countries to develop domestic legal frameworks to ensure respect for their relevant international legal obligations – including comprehensive measures to prevent attacks against schools, children, teachers and other related civilians.
