India, June 26 : India has called for stronger global accountability against those responsible for attacks on schools and children during armed conflicts, asserting that protecting children’s rights cannot be achieved without ensuring justice for those who violate international humanitarian norms.
Speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s open debate titled “Strengthening the Prevention of and Protection of Education for Children Affected by Armed Conflict: From Normative Commitments to Effective Implementation” in New York, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, stressed that access to education must remain protected even in the most challenging conflict situations.
The ambassador said education is not merely a service but a fundamental right that must continue regardless of war or violence. He described learning as one of the strongest foundations for building sustainable peace and long-term stability, reaffirming India’s commitment to protecting children caught in armed conflicts across the world.
Parvathaneni underlined that safeguarding schools and students requires more than humanitarian assistance. He argued that meaningful protection must be supported by legal accountability, warning that perpetrators who deliberately target educational institutions and children should not be allowed to act without consequences.
His remarks came as the United Nations presented alarming findings on the condition of children living in conflict zones. The Secretary-General’s latest annual report documented an unprecedented rise in serious violations committed against children during 2025, calling the situation one of the most severe since the monitoring mechanism was established.
According to the report, the United Nations verified more than 38,500 grave violations involving over 24,000 children worldwide during the year. The victims included thousands of boys and girls affected by killings, injuries, recruitment by armed groups, sexual violence, abductions, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian assistance.
The report also highlighted a growing number of children suffering multiple violations simultaneously, indicating that the humanitarian crisis facing conflict-affected regions continues to deepen.
It noted that many parties engaged in armed conflicts failed to uphold international humanitarian and human rights obligations, resulting in devastating consequences for civilian populations. Educational institutions, healthcare facilities and other essential services relied upon by children were increasingly damaged or rendered inaccessible.
India drew particular attention to the sharp increase in attacks targeting schools, pointing out that such incidents had risen by 44 percent within a single year. The Indian delegation described the trend as deeply concerning, saying it threatens not only children’s immediate safety but also the future development of entire societies.
Addressing the broader humanitarian impact, Parvathaneni observed that nearly 473 million children around the world are either living in conflict zones or have been displaced because of violence. Among them, more than 85 million currently lack access to formal education, depriving an entire generation of opportunities for growth and development.
He described these figures as a stark reminder that the international community has yet to translate its commitments into effective action on the ground. According to India, protecting classrooms during conflict is essential because education offers hope, resilience and the foundation for post-war recovery.
The ambassador emphasised that governments bear the primary responsibility for ensuring children’s rights, including uninterrupted access to education. He noted that national institutions must remain committed to protecting schools while working alongside international partners to strengthen humanitarian responses.
Highlighting India’s domestic initiatives, Parvathaneni said the Right to Education is enshrined as a constitutional guarantee, ensuring free and compulsory education for children up to the age of 14 years. He added that the country has consistently invested in expanding access to quality education through both physical infrastructure and digital innovation.
Among the key initiatives mentioned was DIKSHA, India’s national digital platform for school education. The portal offers multilingual educational resources, interactive learning material and technology-driven tools designed to improve access to quality education for students and teachers across the country.
The ambassador said India’s experience during the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated how digital education platforms can ensure continuity of learning when traditional classroom teaching is disrupted. He suggested that similar technology-based solutions could support children whose education is interrupted by wars or humanitarian crises.
India also highlighted its broader international engagement in supporting education for displaced communities. According to Parvathaneni, the country has made sustained investments in facilitating educational opportunities for refugees and vulnerable populations from neighbouring regions, recognising that continued learning plays a vital role in rebuilding lives after conflict.
In addition to supporting students, India has contributed to the reconstruction of educational infrastructure in several partner countries. These efforts include assistance in rebuilding schools, vocational training centres and other institutions aimed at strengthening long-term development and recovery.
Concluding his remarks, Parvathaneni reiterated that protecting education during armed conflicts is both a humanitarian obligation and an investment in global peace. He said ensuring accountability for attacks on children and educational institutions, while strengthening access to uninterrupted learning, remains essential for securing a safer and more stable future for generations to come.