HRC58 - Joint statement- Safe Schools Declaration

Human Rights Council – 58th Session
Item 2: Interactive Dialoube with SRSG for Children in Armed Conflict
Joint Statement on the Safe Schools Declaration
Delivered by Kenya on behalf of a group of countries
12 March 2025

I am honored to speak on behalf of a group of States committed to protecting education through our collective endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration and our resolute efforts to implement the Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict.

At this session of the Human Rights Council, we must confront the stark reality that attacks on schools, students, and education personnel—as well as the military use of educational facilities—continue to escalate, with immediate and long-term consequences for children, especially girls and those with disabilities. The persistent lack of accountability for acts that may constitute violations not only perpetuates harm but also undermines efforts to prevent future attacks and ensure greater protection for children and their right to education. It puts children and youth at high risk of physical and mental harm, exposes them to grave violations and abuses of human rights, and perpetuates cycles of violence and conflict. Many children, once forced out of school, never return. We welcome the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict’s reminder to all conflict parties that the military use of schools must be avoided.

We commend the Government of Kenya for hosting the Fifth International Conference in November this year, which also marks the tenth anniversary of the Safe Schools Declaration, now signed by 121 States. These milestones offer us a moment to reflect on both the challenges and progress made and to renew our commitment to ensuring that the right to education is upheld even in times of conflict. We encourage all States to support and participate in the Fifth International Conference.

We call on all States to accelerate efforts to achieve universal endorsement and full implementation of this vital instrument. As the Declaration states, “education is fundamental to development, peace and security, the rule of law, and the full enjoyment of human rights and freedoms.”

We stand ready to work collaboratively with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, as well as with all Member States, to protect and secure learning environments now and to ensure a future where every child can learn without fear.

Thank you.