UN Security Council

The Declaration has, over the years, been highlighted during the UN Security Council Open Debates on Protection of Civilians, Children and Armed Conflict, and Women, Peace, and Security, as well as Sexual Violence in Conflict.

On September 10, 2020, the Security Council, under the presidency of the Republic of Niger, held an Open Debate on Attacks against Schools as a Grave Violation of Children’s Rights- the first formal debate by the
Security Council on attacks on education. GCPEA briefed the Council in person, sharing its findings and recommendations, particularly on the Sahel region.

The UN Security Council issued a milestone Presidential Statement, (PRST) – the first outcome document solely focused on attacks on education. The PRST noted the efforts of states that have endorsed the Safe
Schools Declaration and highlighted the impact of attacks on education on women and girls.

The UN Security Council Open Debate and Resolution on the protection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population held on April 27, 2021, referenced the military use of schools in contravention of applicable international law, and recognized the risk that such use might make schools targets of attack and threaten the safety of teachers and students.

On October 29, 2021, the UN Security council unanimously adopted Resolution 2601 (2021) on the protection of education during conflict, the first thematic resolution on attacks on education. It condemns attacks against schools, children, and teachers and urges parties to the conflict to immediately safeguard the right to education. The resolution references the Safe Schools Declaration, and makes explicit the links between
education, peace, and security.

A UN Security Council Arria- Formula Meeting was held on December 6 to
discuss concrete steps for implementing Resolution 2601, including through implementing the Safe Schools Declaration.