Qatar Ambassador in Canada Urges Protection of Education During Conflict
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Qatar’s Ambassador to Canada Tariq Ali Faraj Al-Ansari called for stronger protection of students, teachers, education personnel and places of learning from attack, as well as the continuity of education during conflict, in a video message released Wednesday to mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack on September 9.
Al-Ansari said Qatar and Canada share a commitment to protecting education, supporting continuity of learning during conflict, upholding international humanitarian law and advancing accountability for attacks on education. He closed the message with the appeal: “Protect education. Preserve hope.”
The ambassador’s message was issued as part of the #UniteToProtect campaign, an initiative supported by Education Above All Foundation to mobilize international action to protect students, educators and places of learning, keep education functioning during crises and strengthen accountability for attacks.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 74/275 on May 28, 2020, establishing September 9 as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. The resolution was presented by Qatar and co-sponsored by 62 countries, including Canada, according to official UN records.
The resolution affirms that governments have primary responsibility for protecting learners and ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, particularly for those in vulnerable situations, while calling for stronger measures to safeguard schools, students and education personnel during humanitarian emergencies and armed conflict.
The establishment of the international day followed efforts led by Qatar and Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All Foundation, to elevate the protection of education in conflict zones on the international agenda. Education Above All says the UN initiative received the backing of 62 co-sponsoring countries.
The 2026 observance is being held under the theme “Can Education Survive Attack? The Resilience of Human Communities.” UNESCO says the United Nations verified 1,680 attacks on schools in 2025, a 33% increase from 2024.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his 2026 message that more than 8,500 attacks worldwide targeted schools, students and teachers over the past two years, calling on parties to conflict to prevent attacks on educational institutions, comply with international law and hold perpetrators accountable.
UNESCO says attacks on schools and universities deprive students of their fundamental right to education and prevent teachers from carrying out their work, while international humanitarian law recognizes the civilian character of educational facilities and requires their protection during armed conflict.
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