World Vision highlights need for education and protection for children affected by armed conflict

World Vision has helped highlight the importance of education and protection for children affected by armed conflict at a conference hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury earlier this week.

David Thomson, Director of Policy and Programmes at World Vision UK, spoke alongside Dr Rowan Williams, Gordon Brown and other NGO representatives.

Mr Thomson said:

“There’s a danger that children’s education can be forgotten during the harsh reality of conflict. But education isn’t an optional extra; it's one of the keys to survival in the world’s toughest places bringing life skills, hope and alternatives to war.”

The conference, held at Lambeth Palace, called for every section of society to demand quality education for all children.

Gordon Brown – now the UN Special Envoy on Global Education – said ‘drastic action’ and increased funding for education are essential if there is to be any chance of the Millennium Development Goals being met by 2015.

It is estimated that 61 million children do not currently have access to education and 40% of those live in conflict-affected states. In addition an estimated 28 million children are denied education because of attacks on schools. This includes the targeting of students and teachers in armed attacks, killings, abductions, forced recruitment, threats and sexual violence. School buildings and institutions are also looted and destroyed, or taken into military use. (UNESCO, Education Under Attack, 2010).

Mr Thomson said:

“Teaching must be done in a way that doesn’t put children at risk during conflict, which means protection is needed by the local community and at a national level.

“It’s our job, in countries like the DRC, to provide safe places for former soldiers to train as mechanics, carpenters and masons; to do all we can to stop more children being recruited as soldiers; and to put pressure on governments to ensure children’s rights for an education are protected - no matter how tough the context."

During the conference, the role of faith organisations was also highlighted, showing how their on-going presence during conflicts means they are often at the front line in continuing to deliver education.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, a reported 72% of primary education is provided by religious organisations.

Dr Williams said:

“This is an issue which takes us to the heart of some of the most disturbing and shocking elements in international life because in recent years, perhaps more than ever, we have seen the disruption of children’s education not only as one of the side effects of conflict  but quite often as a deliberate tool of terror.”

He welcomed, “the practical, robust and constructive recommendations” from the conference, which he believes “could help those who most need the hope, positivity, creativity and sense of agency that education can give.”

To find out more about the story visit the Lambeth Palace website.