Armed forces’ use of schools endangers students

MANILA, Philippines - An international alliance of cause-oriented organizations said the use of schools and other education institutions for military purposes by armed forces and non-state armed groups during wartime endangers students and their education around the world.

This was the summary of the 77-page study, “Lessons in war: Military use of schools and other education institutions during conflict,” the group Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) recently released.

The study reportedly examines the use of schools and other education institutions for military purposes by government armed forces and opposition or pro-government armed groups during times of armed conflict or insecurity. Schools are used for barracks, logistics bases, operational headquarters, weapons and ammunition caches, detention and interrogation centers, firing and observation positions, and recruitment grounds.

“The moment troops establish a base inside a school, they can turn it into a target for attack. When soldiers use schools and universities they are often putting their own convenience over the safety and education of students,” said Diya Nijhowne, director of the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack.