Colombia"s schools under attack amid rising violence in 2023

In Colombia, a significant rise in violence has severely impacted education, with over 7,500 students, teachers, and school staff affected between January and July 2024. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) reported a troubling increase in attacks on educational institutions, with incidents rising from 107 in the first half of 2023 to 125 in the same period in 2024. This escalation includes military occupation of schools and the presence of explosive devices, creating dangerous learning environments. The Cauca department has been particularly hard hit, experiencing a threefold increase in attacks compared to the previous year. Armed groups continue to disrupt education, and stalled peace negotiations have exacerbated the situation, making schools prime targets for violence. Reports of forced child recruitment during commutes to school further highlight the perilous conditions faced by students. Despite efforts from local and national authorities, nearly 90% of reported incidents remain unresolved, leaving many vulnerable. The NRC emphasizes the urgent need for protective measures, including psychological support for affected individuals and infrastructure improvements to ensure safer educational spaces. As the International Day to Protect Education from Attack approaches, the NRC calls for international support to address the educational crisis, noting that only a fraction of the requested funding has been provided. The organization stresses that the path to peace in Colombia is closely linked to the protection of educational rights, urging all armed groups to cease attacks on schools.