26 June,2026 11:21 AM IST | United Nations | mid-day online correspondent
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India has called for stronger accountability for attacks on schools and children in conflict zones, telling the United Nations Security Council that protecting children is incomplete unless those responsible for such violations are brought to justice.
Addressing the UN Security Council's open debate on "Strengthening the Prevention of and Protection of Education for Children Affected by Armed Conflict: From Normative Commitments to Effective Implementation", India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, stressed the importance of safeguarding children's right to education even during armed conflicts.
He said protecting education is essential for ensuring long-term peace and rebuilding societies affected by war.
Highlighting the importance of education during conflict, Parvathaneni said, "Education is a right that should endure in times of conflict. It is a right whose fulfilment is among the most powerful contributions to lasting peace. India remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting children in armed conflict and to upholding their right to learn, to grow, and to realise their full potential."
He further emphasised that accountability must accompany efforts to protect children.
"Protection without accountability is incomplete. Those who target schools and children with impunity must be held to account."
India's intervention came during a Security Council debate focused on strengthening global efforts to protect education in areas affected by armed conflict.
Referring to the UN Secretary-General's latest report on Children and Armed Conflict, India noted the sharp rise in violations against children worldwide.
According to the report, the United Nations verified 38,558 grave violations affecting 24,174 children in 2025, the highest number recorded since the reporting mechanism was established.
The report also noted that the number of children subjected to multiple grave violations increased from 3,137 in 2024 to 3,176 in 2025.
It further stated that government forces accounted for the majority of verified grave violations and were the principal perpetrators of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access.
Citing the findings of the report, Parvathaneni said attacks on educational institutions had risen sharply over the past year.
"These figures are a damning verdict on humanity's collective failure to translate commitments into reality on the ground," he said.
He pointed out that nearly 473 million children - more than one in six globally - either live in or have fled conflict zones, while more than 85 million children currently have no access to education.
The ambassador stressed that protecting a child's education is critical to safeguarding the future of societies affected by conflict.
Parvathaneni said governments bear the primary responsibility for protecting children's rights and ensuring access to education.
He noted that in India, the Right to Education is a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, providing free and compulsory education up to the age of 14 years.
He also highlighted the government's DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) platform, saying it has expanded access to quality education through digital content and artificial intelligence-enabled learning tools in multiple languages.
Highlighting India's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Parvathaneni said digital technology can play a vital role in ensuring continuity of education during emergencies.
"Our domestic commitment to ensure access to affordable and quality education also shapes our engagement on this issue internationally," he said.
He added, "Our experience has convinced us that access to digital learning can be the bridge that helps children access education during conflicts."
The ambassador also stressed the importance of investing in education for refugees and displaced communities.
"India has made sustained investments in facilitating education for refugees and displaced communities from across our neighbourhood, recognising that continuity of learning is among the most powerful tools for resilience and recovery."
He noted that India has also supported the rebuilding of schools and vocational training centres in several countries, including those in its neighbourhood, as part of its broader commitment to strengthening education systems in conflict-affected regions.
(With inputs from PTI)
