The Impact of Myanmar Junta's School Bombings on Education and Society
In Myanmar, the aftermath of the military coup in 2021 has been marked by severe humanitarian crises, with educational institutions becoming prime targets in the conflict-ridden landscape.
According to recent reports, at least 174 schools and universities have been subjected to bombings and other forms of destructive attacks since the coup, resulting in devastating consequences for education and the future of Myanmar's youth.
The Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) and other independent organizations have meticulously documented these attacks, revealing a grim reality of burned-out buildings, collapsed infrastructure, and disrupted learning environments.
Beyond structural damage, these assaults have claimed lives and caused injuries among students, teachers, and civilians caught in the crossfire. The true extent of casualties remains difficult to ascertain due to restricted access to conflict zones.
Matt Lawrence, director of CIR’s Myanmar Witness project, emphasizes the profound impact on education in affected areas. He notes that more than half of the attacks assessed resulted in the destruction or significant damage of educational facilities, robbing an entire generation of their right to education.
This disruption not only hampers immediate access to learning but also jeopardizes long-term socio-economic development by depriving children of foundational knowledge and skills crucial for future leadership roles.
The militarization of schools, where educational facilities are repurposed for military use or targeted under the pretext of combat operations, further compounds the crisis. The Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack has reported alarming statistics, indicating over 245 attacks on schools and 190 instances of military occupation of educational institutions in recent years.
Such actions blatantly violate international humanitarian law, which safeguards educational facilities as civilian spaces immune from military operations.
The cumulative impact is a fractured society grappling with the loss of educational opportunities, and continuous cycles of poverty and instability.
Humanitarian aid, including educational support and psychosocial assistance, is urgently needed to address the immediate needs of affected communities and provide a semblance of normalcy amid chaos.
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Education Coordinator at Save the Children International
1moI would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Global Education Cluster team for their dedication and hard work in organizing such an impactful training. The expertise and collaboration from everyone involved made this experience truly remarkable.