Nations vow to minimise impact of war on universities

A declaration aimed at protecting universities and school buildings from armed conflict has been signed by 37 nations.

The Safe Schools Declaration, signed on 29 May in Oslo, commits governments to taking steps to prevent armed forces from using educational buildings as a base. It also sets out plans to help governments record casualties from attacks on education, and support the continuation of education in countries affected by war.

The initiative has been put forward by a group of national education providers and charities under the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack. A 2014 report by the group said that schools and universities were often used as barracks and weapon stores, or as training grounds or detention centres—which not only disrupts education, but can also make the institutions a target for attack by opposing forces.