Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
January 24, 2024
On International Education Day, the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) underscores that the primary impediment to the educational process remains the persistent bombing and destruction of educational facilities by the Assad regime and its supporters. This has resulted in the deprivation of Syrian children and youth of their fundamental right to education in a secure environment. The continued transgressions have led to the complete or partial damage of 40 percent of schools in Syria since 2011, with tens of thousands of teachers facing death, arrest, or displacement. Disturbingly, in 2023 alone, 44 educational facilities in northwestern Syria were targeted, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights.
The SOC asserts the undeniable right of Syrian children and youth to education. It calls for substantial international action to halt attacks on civilians and educational facilities, emphasizing the need to support the educational process in liberated areas administered by the Syrian Interim Government. This is crucial to securing the future of hundreds of thousands of children, shielding them from ignorance and extremism. The SOC contends that the foundation of any society’s development, prosperity, and stability lies in education.
The Assad regime and its backers intentionally and systematically bomb and target all aspects of stability and life in liberated areas. They disregard international laws, treaties, and resolutions that prohibit the targeting of civilians, schools, and infrastructure. Exploiting the international community’s inaction, the United Nations, and its organizations, they evade accountability for the crimes against humanity and numerous war crimes committed by Assad’s militias and supporters. The SOC urges the international community to fulfill its responsibility in seeking justice and political transition in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015). This aligns with the aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom, justice, and democracy.
