Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
September 9, 2023
On the occasion of the “International Day to Protect Education from Attacks,” the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) emphasizes the dire state of education in Syria, attributing the decline to unprecedented levels to the heinous actions of the Assad regime and its allies. Their actions have wrought havoc on the country’s educational facilities and infrastructure, resulting in the destruction and damage of thousands of schools since 2011. Shockingly, over 40 percent of Syria’s total schools now bear partial or complete damage due to attacks by the Assad regime and its allies, a grim reality that has taken a heavy toll on students and educational staff, pushing a third of Syrian children out of school.
The scorched-earth policy employed by the Assad regime, with unwavering support from Russia and Iran, has not only eroded the present prospects of Syrians but has also obliterated their future. In addition to relentless bombings that have razed entire cities, schools have been deliberately targeted with barrel bombs and missiles, resulting in the loss of countless civilian lives and posing a significant impediment to Syrian education, exacerbating ignorance within society.
Despite the glaring violation of international law that attacking schools represents, the Assad regime and its allies continue to perpetrate these egregious acts with impunity. The international community has failed to provide a deterrent, punitive measures, or any means of holding them accountable. Disturbingly, the Syrian Civil Defense has documented approximately 500 attacks on residential areas, vital facilities, schools, and agricultural lands since the beginning of this year alone. These attacks have claimed the lives of 51 individuals, including eight children and five women, while leaving 208 people injured, among them 70 children and 29 women.
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) urgently calls upon the international community, United Nations agencies, and donor countries to provide substantial support to the education sector in liberated areas, thereby rectifying the devastation wrought by the Assad regime’s acts of terror. SOC further implores the UN Security Council and proactive nations to extend tangible support to realize a comprehensive political transition in Syria, salvage the country, and empower Syrians in their journey towards a post-Assad era, where they can build a free and democratic state.
