The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed that the ongoing conflict in Sudan has so far deprived approximately 8 million children of their basic right to education. In a statement, the organization explained that 6,400 schools are completely closed in the country and provide no educational services, while 11 percent of schools are used as shelters for displaced families or for non-educational purposes.
UNICEF noted that forced displacement has significantly affected the educational process, as about 5 million children were forced to leave their homes, leading to their separation from their teachers and study materials, while one in three schools has become unusable as a result of destruction or other damage caused by the conflict.
The organization stated that these figures reflect a serious educational crisis that threatens the future of an entire generation in Sudan, calling on relevant authorities and the international community to act immediately to provide educational alternatives for affected children and protect schools from being converted into shelters or conflict sites.
It emphasized that securing education for children is not an option, but a basic humanitarian duty that must be prioritized, especially in conflict areas where risks double and the effects of conflict on childhood accelerate.
UNICEF indicated that the continuation of the crisis will lead to long-term effects on children, including the loss of basic skills and increased dropout rates, calling on humanitarian organizations to intensify their efforts to provide educational and psychological support to children and displaced persons in conflict zones.
Since April 2023, the country has been witnessing an armed conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces, which has led to the death of tens of thousands and the displacement of millions.
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