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2019 Executive Decree In January 2019, the Council of Ministers announced a planned decree—subsequently issued on April 15, 2019 (Decree no. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
2019-0306)—setting terms for compensation for civil servants “who have suffered [loss or harm] in the exercise of or as a result of the exercise of their functions during terrorist attacks.” 300 According to local media, “the Minister of Communication... [said] state agents [who are] victims of terrorist attacks (cases of death, injury or destruction of personal property) should be able to benefit from care.” 301 In a May 2020 letter, the minister of humanitarian action stated that the decree also “provides for the medical care of civil servants, [and] a financial allowance... to [their] beneficiaries.”302 2020 Education Ministry Letter In January 2020, the minister of education sent a letter to regional and provincial education authorities stating: “During the Council of the Extraordinary Cabinet on Education in Emergencies held January 23-24, 2020 in Ouagadougou, one of the recommended measures to be taken... [was] compensation of victims of terrorist attacks in the education sector. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
...
I invite you to 99 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 While some aid agencies have reportedly provided psychosocial support to teachers and children, a gap remains.
306 “There have been some teachers trained in how to detect trauma in students,” said a UNICEF education in emergencies specialist.
“But psychological support of teachers?
No. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
“But psychological support of teachers?
No.
Teachers are almost abandoned to themselves.” 307 An education ministry official said the ministry was working with the humanitarian action ministry and the military, both of whom offered such services.
However, the official acknowledged shortcomings: “Initial care at least is ensured...
There is not exactly a formal system in place to respond in cases of teacher victims, but usually everyone is mobilized. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
But the follow-up after the first response could probably be improved.” 308 303 MENAPLN, letter no.
2020-[number illegible]/MENAPLN/CAB/ST-ESU, RE: “Situation of actors who are victims of terrorist attacks to be compensated” (“Situation des acteurs victimes des attaques terroristes à dédommager”), [illegible date between January and February], 2020 (copy on file with Human Rights Watch).
304 MENAPLN letter, “Responses to the concerns of Human Rights Watch,” May 2020 (see Annex II). | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
305 Human Rights Watch interviews with education professionals, Burkina Faso, February-April 2020.
306 Human Rights Watch interview with MENAPLN officials, Ouagadougou, February 12, 2020; interview with Karina Pascale Suisse, program director, Danish Refugee Council, Ouagadougou, February 13, 2020.
307 Human Rights Watch interview with UNICEF education-in-emergencies specialist, Ouagadougou, February 10, 2020.
308 Human Rights Watch interview with MENAPLN official, Ouagadougou, February 12, 2020. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
[provide information on] the situation of education workers [who are] victims of terrorist attacks, according to the attached framework.” An attached chart solicited information on the victims, the “nature of harm,” the “nature of damage – physical / material,” and the “value” of the losses.303 In May 2020, the minister of education stated in a letter to Human Rights Watch that “since January 2020, MENAPLN has undertaken the documentation of incidents for the compensation of victims, in accordance with Decree 2019-0306,” noting that “the compensation process should likely be completed this year 2020.”304 Routes to Compensation Public school teachers and administrators who suffered harm or losses in targeted attacks can seek compensation through two routes: administrative (by submitting claims to provincial or regional education authorities, who should forward the claims to the education ministry for processing); and judicial (by seeking restitution during prosecutions of alleged perpetrators, or by filing a legal complaint if claims submitted via administrative channels have not been addressed within a reasonable period of time). | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
305 “THEIR WAR AGAINST EDUCATION” 100 The minister of humanitarian action stated in a letter that her ministry, “through its structure known as the ‘National Solidarity Fund,’ assumes responsibility for medical costs, medical evacuations and psychological support for victims of terrorist attacks.” She also noted that the families of 10 teachers killed “as a result of terrorism” in 2018 and 2019 received financial support from this fund.309 Psychosocial support to affected teachers was listed as one of the priorities in the National Strategy. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The government should take urgent steps to improve, scale up, and standardize its efforts, and teachers who survived attacks should not have to wait months or travel long distances to obtain care.
Implementation of a rapid reporting and response mechanism for school attacks could help ensure victims receive timely assistance. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The January 2020 letter sent by the education ministry inviting local education authorities to submit compensation claims for victims marks a step forward, in line with the government’s commitment under the Safe Schools Declaration to “provide assistance to victims.” The ministry should adhere to its commitment to ensure compensation during 2020 by swiftly processing claims, and it should also inform education professionals of their entitlements. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Teachers and humanitarian workers also cited lack of psychosocial support to trauma- affected students as an ongoing issue.
While such initiatives have been implemented by aid agencies in certain areas, many children remain unreached, they said.
310 “They have forgotten the children,” said a principal whose school was attacked.
“No one thought to check if the children were affected psychologically [after the incident]. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
We need psychosocial support for students who witnessed attacks.” 311 In response to a Human Rights Watch query on what the government has done to ensure psychosocial support to affected students, the minister of humanitarian action cited “the 309 MFSNFAH letter, “Responses from [MFSNFAH] to HRW’s concerns,” May 2020 (see Annex III).
310 Human Rights Watch interview with teachers from Est and Centre-Nord regions, and humanitarian workers in Ouagadougou, January-March 2020. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
311 Human Rights Watch interview with school principal from Komondjari province (Est region), Ouagadougou, February 11, 2020. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
101 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 deployment of a team of psychologists in certain internally displaced persons (IDP) sites” and the establishment of 217 “child-friendly spaces run by social workers” in three regions which “contribute to providing psychosocial support to children in distress.”312 The education ministry cited “the support of psychologists in some [school] establishments” and the training of teachers in three regions in “the psychosocial support of affected students.”313 These efforts are positive steps in line with Burkina Faso’s commitments under its National Strategy and the Safe Schools Declaration. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
However, these initiatives should be expanded to reach more affected schools, and counseling services should be made available to more students who have experienced attacks in school.
“If there isn’t support from somewhere [for these children], I don’t know how they will grow up with what they’ve experienced in their heads,” a teacher said.
314 312 MFSNFAH letter, “Responses from [MFSNFAH] to HRW’s concerns,” May 2020 (see Annex III). | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
313 MENAPLN letter, “Responses to the concerns of Human Rights Watch,” May 2020 (see Annex II).
314 Human Rights Watch interview with Frank Belemouisgo, teacher, Bourzanga, February 8, 2020.
“THEIR WAR AGAINST EDUCATION” 102 Acknowledgments This report was researched and written by Lauren Seibert, researcher in the Children’s Rights Division of Human Rights Watch.
Jonathan Pedneault, researcher in the Crisis and Conflict Division, provided research support. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The report was reviewed and edited by Bede Sheppard, deputy director in the Children’s Rights Division; Corinne Dufka, associate director in the Africa Division; and Agnes Odhiambo, senior researcher in the Women’s Rights Division.
James Ross, legal and policy director, and Tom Porteous, deputy program director, provided legal and program review respectively. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Production assistance was provided by Alex Firth, Children’s Rights Division senior associate; Delphine Starr, Children’s Rights Division coordinator; Travis Carr, Publications coordinator; and Fitzroy Hepkins, senior administrative manager. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Human Rights Watch thanks the many education professionals, students, witnesses, and family members of victims who provided testimony for this report, often at great personal risk, as well as the organizations and individuals who connected us to them and interpreted for us. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Members of the National Coalition for Education for All (CN-EPT/BF), the National Union of Basic Education Workers (SYNATEB), and the Federation of National Unions for Education and Research Workers (F-SYNTER), as well as Save the Children Burkina Faso, deserve special thanks.
We are also grateful to the government officials, humanitarian workers, civil society activists, and community leaders who shared their experiences and views with us. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Given security considerations, we cannot thank individuals by name, but their support and courage greatly facilitated our research.
The report was translated into French by Catherine Dauvergne-Newman and vetted by Lauren Seibert and Peter Huvos. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
103 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 Annex I: Breakdown of Documented Attacks BURKINA FASO: Attacks on Education Documented by Human Rights Watch 2017 2018 2019 2020 (Jan-March) 2017-2020 Totals TOTAL documented attacks on education professionals, students, and schools 10 26 69 21 126 1.
Sahel region 9 9 18 1 37 2.
Est region -- 8 11 9 28 3.
Centre-Nord region -- 2 20 1 23 4.
Boucle du Mouhoun region -- 3 12 4 19 5.
Nord region 1 4 7 6 18 6. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Centre-Est region -- -- 1 -- 1 Attacks on or at schools 9 25 57 16 107 Damage or pillage of schools 2 17 50 15 84 Threatening raids / intimidation 6 7 7 -- 20 Attacks targeting people in school, but no confirmed damage/pillage of school 1 1 -- 1 3 **Among the above: Attacks on schools being occupied by the military as bases -- -- 2 1 3 Attacks outside of school (targeting education professionals or students) 1 1 12 5 19 Violent attacks (killings, assault, abduction, or property destruction) 1 -- 6 4 11 Threats / intimidation -- 1 6 1 8 All violent attacks (at or outside of school) 2 3 11 3 19 Killings 2 attacks (2 killed) -- 6 attacks (13 killed) 2 attacks (8 killed) 10 attacks (23 killed) Education professionals killed 2 attacks (2 killed) -- 4 attacks (9 killed) 1 attack (1 killed) 7 attacks (12 killed) School construction workers killed -- -- 1 attack (3 killed) -- 1 attack (3 killed) Students killed -- -- 1 attack (1 killed) 1 attack (7 killed) 2 attacks (8 killed) Assault or abduction of education professionals / school employees -- 3 attacks (7 victims) 5 attacks (8 victims) 1 attack (2 victims) 9 attacks (17 victims) *Note: These numbers do not represent the total number of attacks, which was likely much higher. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Human Rights Watch was unable to verify many additional attacks reported in the media and elsewhere.
“THEIR WAR AGAINST EDUCATION” 104 Annex II: Letter from the Education Ministry The following is an unofficial translation of a French letter received by Human Rights Watch on May 18, 2020, in response to a letter sent by Human Rights Watch on April 20, 2020. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Ouagadougou, May 18, 2020 Ministry of National Education, Literacy, and the Promotion of National Languages [MENAPLN] Cabinet Burkina Faso Responses to the concerns of Human Rights Watch regarding the attacks on teachers, students and schools in Burkina Faso 1.
GOVERNMENT EFFORTS » For the re-enrollment of affected students As of February 28, 2020, there were 50,522 displaced students re-enrolled in host establishments [schools] across the country. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Compared to the situation in October 2019, which was 17,705 re-enrolled students, there was an increase of 32,720 students.
[sic] Moreover, efforts are continuing for the re-enrollment of all students affected by the security crisis. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
» For the psychosocial support of victims Regarding psychosocial support for affected stakeholders [education workers] (attacked or threatened), MENAPLN is accompanied by the Ministries in charge of Humanitarian Action, Health, and Defense and Security, as well as NGOs and Associations (DRC, HI, Plan International, UNICEF, ...). | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
105 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 From 2017 to 2019, 324 education supervisors [and] 6,742 teachers from 1,504 schools were trained in the Safe School approach, which takes into account psychosocial support.
For the specific case of teachers, it should be noted that after the initial psychosocial support, generally the victims rejoin their families of origin; which therefore distances them from the mechanisms put in place for their support. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
As for the students, in addition to the support of psychologists in some establishments [schools], MENAPLN has a teacher training manual for the psychosocial support of affected students.
In this context, trainings have already been given to teachers in the Centre-Nord, Nord, and Sahel regions.
These training courses are also programmed in the MENAPLN 2020 Action Plan. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
» Compensation for teachers who were victims By late April 2020, the [number] of education workers who were victims of terrorist attacks was two hundred and twenty-two (222).
We recorded twelve (12) cases of death, [as well as] physical assaults, the burning of homes, [and] destruction and/or confiscation of property. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
In addition to the solidarity and livelihood support provided to these victims, since January 2020 MENAPLN has undertaken the documentation of incidents for the compensation of victims in accordance with Decree 2019 0306/PRES/PM/MINEFID/MFPTPS/MATD/MDNAC of April 15, 2019, concerning modalities for compensation of civil servants who suffered [harm or losses] in terrorist attacks during the exercise of or as a result of the exercise of their duties. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The documentation process is lengthy because it requires gathering many administrative elements whose procurement is made difficult by the context of insecurity in the regions of residence of teachers who are victims, where certain government services are no longer functional.
However, the different departments involved in the process are collaborating so that the documentation advances, and the compensation process should likely be completed this year 2020. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
“THEIR WAR AGAINST EDUCATION” 106 » Strengthening the capacities of host establishments [schools] In order to build the capacity of host establishments [schools], MENAPLN, with the support of technical and financial partners, has developed several actions.
70 temporary classrooms have been created in the Centre-Nord, Est, Nord, and Sahel [regions], 80 classrooms have been rented in the Boucle du Mouhoun, Est, Nord, and Sahel [regions], [and] 450 desks have been acquired for schools in the Sahel [region]. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Regarding schools occupied by IDPs, 67 benefited from financial support for the rehabilitation of their facilities.
Some damaged schools have also been rehabilitated.
In addition, 7,740 school kits were distributed to students of the Boucle du Mouhoun, Centre-Nord, Est, Nord, and Sahel [regions].
The 2020 Action Plan provides for the development of additional classrooms and WASH infrastructure, [and] acquisition of school equipment, furniture, supplies, and textbooks to accompany these host schools.
2. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
2.
DATA COLLECTION Since the beginning of the crisis, MENAPLN has implemented a mechanism for collecting data on education in emergencies.
Thus, a weekly report is produced on the situation of schools closed, schools reopened, and the teachers and students affected.
In addition, a quarterly report provides information on the situation of displaced students reenrolled and schools occupied. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The last report dated March 12, 2020 noted fourteen (14) occupied schools: twelve (12) by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and two (02) by the of Defense and Security Forces [Forces de Défense et de Sécurité, FDS].
All of these occupied schools were already closed for reasons of insecurity.
The situation by region is as follows: • Centre-Est: 02; • Centre-Nord: 03 of which 02 by the FDS; • Sahel: 09. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
107 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 Part of the monitoring [and] evaluation of the National Strategy for the Education of Students in Areas with High Security Challenges (SSEZDS) 2019-2024 includes the development of an annual implementation report.
3.
RESPONSE TO ATTACKS The attacks are generally reported by [education workers] on the ground, [and by] the [regional and local] administrative authorities. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
In addition, schools whose staff received training in the Safe School approach have monitoring committees for reporting to the relevant authorities in the event of an attack.
4.
MILITARY USE OF SCHOOLS In general, schools occupied by the military are schools [that were] closed due to the security crisis. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
As part of the implementation of the National Strategy for the Education of Students in Areas with High Security Challenges, there are plans for inter-departmental collaboration frameworks that can be used to disseminate the Safe Schools Declaration and the “Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict.” In addition, with the support of partners, there are plans to raise awareness during 2020 among the stakeholders involved in ensuring the safety of schools. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
In the medium and short term, MENAPLN will contact the relevant ministries for the establishment of a specific committee for ensuring the safety of schools.
5.
TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOOLS AND CLOSURES During the 2019-2020 school year, MENAPLN [oversaw] 20,764 schools.
As of March 12, 2020, there were 2,512 schools closed due to insecurity.
Following the COVID-19 health crisis, all school and university establishments have been closed since March 16, 2020. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Statistics on the situation of closed schools are fluid.
Even while new school closures are noted, others are reopened thanks to security efforts, the resilience of communities, and “THEIR WAR AGAINST EDUCATION” 108 the implementation of actions of the National Strategy for the Education of Students in Areas with High Security Challenges.
6.
COVID-19 To reduce the spread of coronavirus, of which the first cases appeared on March 9, 2020, the Government has taken several preventive steps. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
In an education sector, a response plan for educational continuity in the context of Covid-19 has been developed. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
This plan includes four (04) axes which are: • use of Information and Communication Technologies for Teaching [Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication pour l’Enseignement, TICE], for purposes of educational continuity; • resumption of classes for the completion of the 2019-2020 school year; • information, raising awareness, and communication ; • coordination and monitoring/evaluation . | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
7. INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT Technical and Financial Partners, NGOs and Development Associations participated in the process of developing the National Strategy for the Education of Students in Areas with High Security Challenges.
Their contributions to the implementation of response activities in relation to the security and health crises are made through the Partnership Framework and the Education Cluster, at both technical and financial levels. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The three-year Education in Emergencies Plan (2020-2022) is estimated at [69,764,175,000] francs CFA, i.e.
[$116,273,626] US dollars.
In addition, the provisional budget of the Covid-19 pandemic response plan for educational continuity amounts to [8,253,975,220] francs CFA [US $13.6 million].
In view of the resources available and the announcements of certain partners, the funding gaps are estimated to be at around 70% of the needs. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The Minister Pr Stanislas OUARO Officer of the Order of Academic Palms 109 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 Annex III: Letter from the Humanitarian Action Ministry The following is an unofficial translation of a French letter received by Human Rights Watch on May 18, 2020, in response to a letter sent by Human Rights Watch on April 20, 2020. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
May 18, 2020 Ministry of Women, National Solidarity, Family and Humanitarian Action Burkina Faso The Minister to: Ms. Lauren Seibert, researcher at Human Rights Watch, New York CC: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ouagadougou RE: Responses from the Ministry of Women, National Solidarity, Family, and Humanitarian Action (MFSNFAH) to HRW’s concerns about attacks on teachers, students and schools in Burkina Faso Madame, By a letter dated April 20, 2020, His Excellency the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to the United States of America, Washington DC, brought to the attention of my [ministry] an email from your organization relating to its upcoming report on attacks perpetrated by “armed Islamist groups” against teachers, students and schools between 2017 and 2020 and the use of certain schools for military purposes in Burkina Faso. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The organization requested answers to questions on the following points: 1) the efforts of the Government; 2) support for victims; 3) psychosocial support for students; 4) child protection units, and 5) international support.
I have the honor to send you the elements of response from my [ministry] relating to the abovementioned points of concern raised. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to HRW for its interest in the worrying issue of terrorist attacks targeting teachers, students and schools in Burkina Faso.
I have no doubt that our responses and observations will be largely considered in your organization's upcoming report.
“THEIR WAR AGAINST EDUCATION” 110 Please accept, Madame, the expression of my highest consideration. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Hélène Marie Laurence ILBOUDO / MARCHAL [The Minister] Attached: Responses from MFSNFAH to HRW’s concerns about attacks targeting teachers, students and schools in Burkina Faso.
RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS FROM HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH (HRW) May 2020 1.
GOVERNMENT EFFORTS: Are there any additional measures the government has taken to address the issues Human Rights Watch has identified that you would like to highlight?
The Humanitarian Action [ministry] carried out several actions during the period concerned. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
These include: • Capacity-building of operational actors (social workers, NGO staff, Red Cross and Associations) on psychosocial care in emergency situations; • The deployment of a team of psychologists to handle cases in certain Internally Displaced Persons sites; • The establishment of child-friendly spaces run by social workers, which contributes to providing psychosocial support to children in distress. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
In addition to these actions, since December 2019, the Government of Burkina Faso has participated in the activation of Clusters in response to the humanitarian situation. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
This has favored: • A change in name from “subgroup on child protection in emergencies” to “sub- cluster on child protection in emergencies.” This group, coordinated by the Humanitarian Action Ministry, meets periodically to take stock of developments in the humanitarian situation, gaps in child protection and recommendations for improving the situation of children to be implemented by the actors; 111 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 • The establishment of a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Working Group (Groupe de travail Santé mentale et soutien psychosocial, SMSPS). | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Certain [departments] of the Humanitarian Action Ministry, in particular the General Directorate for Family and Children [Direction Générale de la Famille et de l'Enfant, DGFE], are stakeholders in this working group, which brings together humanitarian organizations and promotes the strengthening of provision of mental health care and the promotion of psychosocial well-being. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The establishment of this group is intended to promote synergy between different interventions and to reinforce coverage of the needs of affected populations, including education workers and students, in a more strategic way.
Regarding standard-setting, we note: • The adoption of Decree no. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
2019-0306/PRES/PM/MINEFID/MFPTPS/MATD/MDNAC of April 15, 2019 relating to the compensation of civil servants who have suffered [harm or losses] in terrorist attacks during the exercise of or as a result of the exercise of their duties.
This text provides for the medical care of civil servants, a financial allowance of 10,000,000 FCFA [US $16,500] to the beneficiaries of the civil servants concerned, etc.
• The implementation of Law No. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
• The implementation of Law No.
022-2006/AN of November 16, 2006 on the system for the prevention and reparation of professional risks applicable to civil servants, soldiers and magistrates, for which the management of the system is entrusted to the Autonomous Pension Fund for Civil Servants (Caisse Autonome de Retraite des Fonctionnaires, CARFO).
The Humanitarian Action Ministry takes part in the work of the Health Committee for examining requests.
2. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
2.
SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS: What steps has your ministry taken to ensure that teachers and school administrators who are victims of attacks receive not only timely, appropriate, and subsidized medical care and psychosocial support, but also longer- term follow up and support? | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The Humanitarian Action ministry, through its structure known as the “National Solidarity Fund” (Fonds National de Solidarité), assumes responsibility for medical costs, medical evacuations and psychological support for victims of terrorist attacks. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
We note in particular: “THEIR WAR AGAINST EDUCATION” 112 • Financial support for school fees in the amount of 638,000 FCFA [US $1,050] and school kits for the children of 10 families of teachers who died as a result of terrorism in 2018 and 2019; • Financial support in a lump sum of 1,000,000 francs CFA [$1,650] to the families of 05 deceased teachers in 2019.
Are there currently any systems or protocols in place to ensure timely reporting and response to attacks on schools and teachers? | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
How does your ministry engage with the Education ministry on this issue?
Mechanisms or protocols exist for the reporting of humanitarian emergencies, including attacks on schools and teachers, and the rapid implementation of responses. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
These include: • The National Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation [Conseil national de secours d'urgence et de réhabilitation, CONASUR], chaired by the Humanitarian Action Ministry, whose branches at regional, provincial and departmental [commune] levels provide information on the massive displacement of populations following attacks. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
This allows the rapid implementation of the humanitarian response in collaboration with the Education Ministry through its Technical Secretariat for Education in Emergencies [Secrétariat Technique de l’Education en Situation d'Urgence, ST-ESU]; • A helpline for children including the numéro vert [free phone number] 116 accessible by the three (03) mobile telephone networks existing in the country. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
This toll-free number allows for [children to be heard] in relation to situations of violence, counseling, psychosocial support and referral to appropriate structures for care; • Child protection networks currently made up of 45 provincial networks and 57 departmental networks [within the “communes”], for a total of 102 networks. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Like the Child Protection Working Group [Groupe de travail pour la protection de l’enfance, GTPE] at the national level, regional groups are being set up to give impetus to community child protection networks and units, concerning which a reference document helps to harmonize practices on the ground at [worker] level; • Close relations with the Ministry of National Education, Literacy and the Promotion of National Languages (MENAPLN) on various issues (education of children in difficulty, sponsorship of orphans and other vulnerable children, education of 113 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 internally displaced children, children removed from gold mining sites, etc.). | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
MENAPLN's decentralized [local] structures are also members of child protection networks.
MENAPLN and the Humanitarian Action Ministry are also collaborating on various other aspects.
This is the case when developing various documents concerning child protection, such as the National Child Protection Strategy (SNPE 2020-2024), which takes into account the issue of child protection in emergencies.
3. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
3.
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS: What steps has your ministry taken to provide psychosocial support to students who experienced attacks on schools, and in which provinces have these efforts been implemented? | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The measures taken to provide psychosocial support to students include, among others: • The establishment of [217] child-friendly spaces in the Centre-Nord (Sanmentenga, Bam, Namentenga), Plateau-Central (Ganzourgou), and Sahel (Seno, Oudalan, Soum) regions; • Capacity-building on child protection in emergencies for 341 education supervisors, teachers and canteen workers. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
The training sessions took place from August 7 to 9, 2019 in the Nord (Ouahigouya), Sahel (Djibo and Gorom-Gorom), Centre-Nord (Kaya), and Est (Fada N'Gourma) regions; • Training of social workers in case management, in order to allow for qualitative care of children who are victims or at risk of violence in the 45 provinces; • The training of 37 humanitarian actors (social workers, NGO and Association staff, etc.) | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
on minimum standards for the protection of children in emergencies, from April 24 to 27, 2019, in Sanmatenga province, Centre-Nord region.
4.
CHILD PROTECTION UNITS: What is the current status of the implementation of Community Child Protection Units in Burkina Faso?
Have such units been set up in displacement camps and sites, and if so, which ones? | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Since 2019, there has been a reference document validated by all those involved in child protection for the establishment of Community Child Protection Units (Cellules communautaires de protection de l'enfant, CCPE) in Burkina Faso.
The key stages in the establishment of these CCPEs in the different communities have been determined in this “THEIR WAR AGAINST EDUCATION” 114 reference document.
The development of a minimum package (basic modules) for capacity-building of CCPE members is underway. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
However, before the adoption of this document, certain NGOs had [already] set up community child protection mechanisms, which should be restructured in accordance with the reference document.
Those are : • Terre des Hommes Lausanne (TdH/L) in the Nord and Boucle du Mouhoun regions; • Plan International Burkina in the Sud-Ouest region; • SOS Villages d’Enfants (VESOS) in the Hauts-Bassins region; • Children Believe in the Est and Plateau-Central regions. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Nevertheless, community actors are organized at the various [displacement] sites (Barsalogho, Foube, ...) and support social workers in child protection.
Also, community [activists] are engaged in educational and awareness-raising activities within child-friendly spaces.
5. INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT: How can the international community best support your efforts to protect children and students impacted by attacks on schools and school closures? | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
International community support could be provided via: • Establishment of emergency educational programs; • Establishment of mobile school infrastructure (school tents); • Provision of school supplies and teaching materials; • Ensuring the safety of [school] premises, teaching staff, and students; • Establishment of school canteens; • Establishment of supply reserves (food and non-food) for parents of these children and students; • Intensive advocacy in favor of substantial funding for the optimal functioning of child protection networks, as well as the deployment throughout the national territory of municipal [commune-level] networks and community units for child protection; • Budget support for the establishment and operation of municipal social services in the 351 municipalities [communes] in the country; 115 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 • Technical and financial support for the integrated care of victims of or [those] at risk of violence; • Improving the provision of care (training, construction, equipment, etc.) | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
for mental health care and psychosocial support, or financial support to the implementation of this care and psychosocial support; • Training of workers (teachers, school administrators, social workers, health workers, etc.)
in the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence in schools, [and] in the support of victims (to refer them to [proper] care, either by providing them with basic advice, or by referring them to specialized mental health services). | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Hélène Marie Laurence ILBOUDO / MARCHAL [The Minister] “THEIR WAR AGAINST EDUCATION” 116 Annex IV: Safe Schools Declaration The impact of armed conflict on education presents urgent humanitarian, development and wider social challenges.
Worldwide, schools and universities have been bombed, shelled and burned, and children, students, teachers and academics have been killed, maimed, abducted or arbitrarily detained. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Educational facilities have been used by parties to armed conflict as, inter alia, bases, barracks or detention centres.
Such actions expose students and education personnel to harm, deny large numbers of children and students their right to education and so deprive communities of the foundations on which to build their future.
In many countries, armed conflict continues to destroy not just school infrastructure, but the hopes and ambitions of a whole generation of children. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Attacks on education include violence against educational facilities, students and education personnel.
Attacks, and threats of attack, can cause severe and long lasting harm to individuals and societies.
Access to education may be undermined; the functioning of educational facilities may be blocked, or education personnel and students may stay away, fearing for their safety. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Attacks on schools and universities have been used to promote intolerance and exclusion—to further gender discrimination, for example by preventing the education of girls, to perpetuate conflict between certain communities, to restrict cultural diversity, and to deny academic freedom or the right of association. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Where educational facilities are used for military purposes it can increase the risk of the recruitment and use of children by armed actors or may leave children and youth vulnerable to sexual abuse or exploitation.
In particular, it may increase the likelihood that education institutions are attacked. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
By contrast, education can help to protect children and youth from death, injury and exploitation; it can alleviate the psychological impact of armed conflict by offering routine and stability and can provide links to other vital services.
Education that is ‘conflict sensitive’ avoids contributing to conflict and pursues a contribution to peace.
Education is fundamental to development and to the full enjoyment of human rights and freedoms. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
We will do our utmost to see that places of education are places of safety.
We welcome initiatives by individual States to promote and protect the right to education and to facilitate the continuation of education in situations of armed conflict.
Continuation 117 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 of education can provide life-saving health information as well as advice on specific risks in societies facing armed conflict. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
We commend the work of the United Nations Security Council on children and armed conflict and acknowledge the importance of the monitoring and reporting mechanism for grave violations against children in armed conflict. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
We emphasize the importance of Security Council resolution 1998 (2011), and 2143 (2014) which, inter alia, urges all parties to armed conflict to refrain from actions that impede children’s access to education and encourages Member States to consider concrete measures to deter the use of schools by armed forces and armed non-State groups in contravention of applicable international law. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
We welcome the development of the Guidelines for protecting schools and universities from military use during armed conflict.
The Guidelines are non-legally binding, voluntary guidelines that do not affect existing international law.
They draw on existing good practice and aim to provide guidance that will further reduce the impact of armed conflict on education. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
We welcome efforts to disseminate these guidelines and to promote their implementation among armed forces, armed groups and other relevant actors.
We stress the importance, in all circumstances, of full respect for applicable international law, including the need to comply with the relevant obligations to end impunity. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Recognizing the right to education and the role of education in promoting understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations; determined progressively to strengthen in practice the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and of children and youth in particular; committed to working together towards safe schools for all; we endorse the Guidelines for protecting schools and universities from military use during armed conflict, and will: • Use the Guidelines, and bring them into domestic policy and operational frameworks as far as possible and appropriate; • Make every effort at a national level to collect reliable relevant data on attacks on educational facilities, on the victims of attacks, and on military use of schools and universities during armed conflict, including through existing monitoring and reporting mechanisms; to facilitate such data collection; and to provide assistance to victims, in a non-discriminatory manner; “THEIR WAR AGAINST EDUCATION” 118 • Investigate allegations of violations of applicable national and international law and, where appropriate, duly prosecute perpetrators; • Develop, adopt and promote ‘conflict-sensitive’ approaches to education in international humanitarian and development programmes, and at a national level where relevant; • Seek to ensure the continuation of education during armed conflict, support the reestablishment of educational facilities and, where in a position to do so, provide and facilitate international cooperation and assistance to programmes working to prevent or respond to attacks on education, including for the implementation of this declaration; • Support the efforts of the UN Security Council on children and armed conflict, and of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and other relevant UN organs, entities and agencies; and • Meet on a regular basis, inviting relevant international organisation and civil society, so as to review the implementation of this declaration and the use of the guidelines. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
119 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 Annex V: Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict Parties to armed conflict are urged not to use schools and universities for any purpose in support of their military effort. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
While it is acknowledged that certain uses would not be contrary to the law of armed conflict, all parties should endeavor to avoid impinging on students’ safety and education, using the following as a guide to responsible practice: Guideline 1: Functioning schools and universities should not be used by the fighting forces of parties to armed conflict in any way in support of the military effort. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
(a) This principle extends to schools and universities that are temporarily closed outside normal class hours, during weekends and holidays, and during vacation periods.
(b) Parties to armed conflict should neither use force nor offer incentives to education administrators to evacuate schools and universities in order that they can be made available for use in support of the military effort. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Guideline 2: Schools and universities that have been abandoned or evacuated because of the dangers presented by armed conflict should not be used by the fighting forces of parties to armed conflict for any purpose in support of their military effort, except in extenuating circumstances when they are presented with no viable alternative, and only for as long as no choice is possible between such use of the school or university and another feasible method for obtaining a similar military advantage. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Other buildings should be regarded as better options and used in preference to school and university buildings, even if they are not so conveniently placed or configured, except when such buildings are specially protected under International Humanitarian Law (e.g.
hospitals), and keeping in mind that parties to armed conflict must always take all feasible precautions to protect all civilian objects from attack. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
(a) Any such use of abandoned or evacuated schools and universities should be for the minimum time necessary. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
(b) Abandoned or evacuated schools and universities that are used by the fighting forces of parties to armed conflict in support of the military effort should remain available to allow educational authorities to re-open them as soon as practicable “THEIR WAR AGAINST EDUCATION” 120 after fighting forces have withdrawn from them, provided this would not risk endangering the security of students and staff. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
(c) Any traces or indication of militarisation or fortification should be completely removed following the withdrawal of fighting forces, with every effort made to put right as soon as possible any damage caused to the infrastructure of the institution.
In particular, all weapons, munitions and unexploded ordnance or remnants of war should be cleared from the site. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Guideline 3: Schools and universities must never be destroyed as a measure intended to deprive the opposing parties to the armed conflict of the ability to use them in the future.
Schools and universities—be they in session, closed for the day or for holidays, evacuated or abandoned—are ordinarily civilian objects. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Guideline 4: While the use of a school or university by the fighting forces of parties to armed conflict in support of their military effort may, depending on the circumstances, have the effect of turning it into a military objective subject to attack, parties to armed conflict should consider all feasible alternative measures before attacking them, including, unless circumstances do not permit, warning the enemy in advance that an attack will be forthcoming unless it ceases its use. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
(a) Prior to any attack on a school that has become a military objective, the parties to armed conflict should take into consideration the fact that children are entitled to special respect and protection.
An additional important consideration is the potential long-term negative effect on a community’s access to education posed by damage to or the destruction of a school. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
(b) The use of a school or university by the fighting forces of one party to a conflict in support of the military effort should not serve as justification for an opposing party that captures it to continue to use it in support of the military effort.
As soon as feasible, any evidence or indication of militarisation or fortification should be removed and the facility returned to civilian authorities for the purpose of its educational function. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |
Guideline 5: The fighting forces of parties to armed conflict should not be employed to provide security for schools and universities, except when alternative means of providing essential security are not available.
If possible, appropriately trained civilian personnel 121 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | MAY 2020 should be used to provide security for schools and universities.
If necessary, consideration should also be given to evacuating children, students and staff to a safer location. | https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/thematic2f/pw_2/1721909239768.pdf | https://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/HRW_war_Against_education.pdf | Burkina Faso |