UNICEF: 30 million children in the Middle East and North Africa are deprived of education
Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) announced that estimates show that about 30 million children in the Middle East and North Africa region are deprived of access to school.
According to Al-Alam website, UNICEF has announced that the deprivation of about 30 million children in the Middle East and North Africa from school has put them at risk of long-term consequences on their learning and well-being.
For children living in countries affected by protracted conflicts and complex humanitarian emergencies, quality and inclusive education plays a key role. It provides the necessary stability and structure to cope with psychological trauma and provides them with the skills and knowledge necessary to rebuild their country after the end of the crisis or disaster.
According to UNICEF, about 16.5 million children in Sudan are out of school due to violent conflict. This number includes at least 7 million children who were deprived of education before the recent conflict. The devastating war in Sudan has destroyed many school buildings and put the education system at risk.
In Gaza, 645,000 children have been deprived of education due to the complete closure of schools since October 2023. Although temporary learning spaces have been created for some children, at least 84 percent of schools require full reconstruction or extensive repairs following Israeli airstrikes. In addition, many children are unable to attend classes due to physical injuries.
UNICEF warns that the interruption of children’s access to education causes anxiety, uncertainty and missed learning opportunities. Without education, children are at greater risk of exploitation, forced child labor and abuse. Also, the longer the period of exclusion from school, the greater the likelihood of permanent dropout.
The lack of education for younger children can threaten their cognitive, social and psychological development. Although the completion rate in primary education is high, it drops significantly in middle and high school.
According to UNICEF, children in rural areas are the poorest, and children with disabilities are more likely to be deprived of education.
