UNICEF: 30 million children in MENA deprived of education due to crises

UNICEF announced that nearly 30 million children in the Middle East and North Africa are denied their right to education, particularly in conflict-stricken regions like Sudan and Gaza.

In a statement released Friday to mark International Day of Education, observed annually on January 24, the organization highlighted the severe setbacks in educational progress caused by conflicts and crises in countries such as Sudan, Palestine, and Syria.

According to UNICEF estimates, around 30 million children are out of school across the region, posing long-term risks to their learning and well-being. The data reveals that one in three children in 12 countries in the region is not receiving formal education.

In Sudan, approximately 16.5 million children are out of school due to the ongoing violent conflict, with 7 million already out of school before the fighting began. Continuous clashes have destroyed schools and disrupted education, putting the education system on the brink of collapse.

In Gaza, 645,000 children are currently out of school following the complete shutdown of educational facilities since October 2023. UNICEF noted that 84% of schools in Gaza require either full reconstruction or significant rehabilitation before they can reopen.

The organization also highlighted the physical and psychological injuries many children in Gaza have suffered due to the conflict, further hindering their ability to access education.

UNICEF called for urgent action to address the educational crisis in the region and ensure that children have access to safe and quality learning opportunities.