One in Three Children in Conflict Zones Out of School in 2024

A new analysis by Save the Children reveals that approximately 103 million children—one in three—living in conflict or fragile countries were out of school in 2024, Reliefweb.com reported. This figure is double the global average, underscoring the severe impact of instability on education.

The research highlights that children in 34 conflict-affected countries are disproportionately affected, with Sudan alone having 17.4 million children out of school due to ongoing conflict. In Gaza, 625,000 school-age children missed education as 96% of school buildings were damaged or destroyed by airstrikes.

Nigeria, classified as conflict-affected by the World Bank, has over 18 million children missing out on education, exacerbated by poverty, insecurity, and attacks on schools.

James Cox, Head of Advocacy and Policy for Education at Save the Children, emphasized the urgent need for global leaders to prioritize education in crisis settings. He called for adequate funding and the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration to protect children’s right to education.