Today, September 9th, marks the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. This day was established by a unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly in 2020 to raise awareness about the alarming number of attacks on educational facilities, students, and teachers in many conflict zones around the world. Education is a basic human right that should be accessible to all, especially children and youth. However, the continuation of armed conflicts and violence in many parts of the world has made schools and universities dangerous places. Between 2015-2019, more than 22,000 students, teachers and academics were injured, killed or harassed in violent attacks on education in over 93 countries. On this International Day, the UN calls on all parties involved in armed conflicts to respect international law and protect education from attack. Attacks on schools and universities are a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. Educational institutions must remain safe havens for children and youth to learn and develop. The UN also urges governments to monitor and prevent attacks on education, and promptly investigate and prosecute crimes against education. Concrete measures must be taken to deter such attacks, assist victims and reduce the military use of educational facilities. Protecting education from attack is essential to safeguarding the right to education for all. The UN will continue working with partners around the world to promote and ensure safe access to educational opportunities for all children and youth, especially those impacted by conflict and crisis. Education gives hope for the future, and this hope must be protected