“Everyone has the right to education” – Article 26 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Education and Conflict
Conflict can disrupt daily life through violence, destruction of property, and forced displacement, leaving many individuals in an uncertain state of suspension. As communities struggle to meet basic needs and maintain stability, essential services are often severely affected. Education is often the first service cut and the last restored in crises.
Education and Sudan
The conflict in Sudan has significantly affected the education system. Before April 2023, the infrastructure was already fragile; a 2018 assessment found that only 2% of Grade 3 students could read Arabic fluently, and 39% were unable to read at all. Characterised by insufficient school facilities, a shortage of qualified teachers, and considerable underfunding, Sudanese education was already compromised, and the conflict has only worsened the situation. With an estimated 19 million children out of school and over 10,400 schools closed by October 2023, and over a million students missing critical exams by early 2025, this conflict has severely impacted Sudanese school students. One impact of the conflict is the severe hunger crisis, which has led to increased child mortality due to starvation and lack of services. Since nutrition is vital for brain development, insufficient nutrients can impair learning and focus.
Schools have also been used as shelters to accommodate people displaced by the war; however, these institutions have not been spared violence, as evidenced by a fourfold increase in attacks on schools, which has led to deaths and injuries among students and teachers. Furthermore, reports have emerged concerning acts of torture, abduction, and the killing of educators, alongside incidents of sexual violence directed at students within school premises. The utilisation of school grounds by military forces for the storage of weapons and other military activities has also further compromised the safety and security of these environments.
Conflict also contributes to rising illiteracy rates by disrupting access to education and limiting learning opportunities. When children and young people are unable to attend school for extended periods, they struggle to develop essential literacy and numeracy skills, reducing their ability to participate fully in economic and social life. The loss of education increases vulnerability to misinformation, restricts employment opportunities, and contributes to cycles of poverty and displacement. Furthermore, education is especially important for girls, as it promotes independence, awareness of rights, and greater future opportunities. Ensuring continued access to education is essential for both individual well-being and Sudan’s long-term development.
Lastly, conflict has a profound impact on a child’s psychological well-being, as witnessing violence, losing loved ones, and living in fear invariably leads to medical issues such as PTSD and anxiety. When families are torn apart, many children are compelled to assume adult responsibilities to support their families’ survival, and girls face an increased risk of early marriages, which results in many children being unable to attend school.
Education and Rebuilding Sudan
Investing in Sudanese education benefits both current and future generations by helping to rebuild the country. Each year of schooling increases future earnings by 10%. Loss of education reduces a country’s output by billions and limits economic opportunities, deepening poverty caused by conflict. Education’s role in promoting social values is critically important. In partnership with Sudan’s Ministry of Education, UNHCR has helped rehabilitate schools in some conflict free government controlled areas by supporting teachers and students with resources.
The Road Ahead for Sudan
As of January 2026, grossly exagerrated claims are circulating that over 65% of schools nationwide have reopened; however, many of the few that have actually reopened still lack basic learning materials and infrastructure, and over 7.9 million children remain out of school. Although it is commendable that a small number of educational institutions have resumed operations, additional measures are necessary to enhance the education sector in Sudan.
The global education sector receives less than 3% of humanitarian aid, indicating limited emphasis on education. More efforts are needed in Sudan to boost literacy, support current students, and develop future leaders. Prioritising education is vital to equip individuals with skills for sustainable development and resilience.
With the breakdown of formal education, emergency programmes are vital to provide academic support. Creating learning spaces in camps or communities can help educators keep education ongoing during conflicts. It’s also crucial to support older students to avoid leaving anyone behind, as offering flexible learning benefits everyone and builds a better future.
It is of the utmost importance that the conflict in Sudan ends. Continuing educational systems is necessary to help Sudan now and in the future. Education is a fundamental human right, and it is of utmost importance that Sudan allocates greater attention and resources to its development once the civil war has come to an end. By investing in an inclusive and resilient education system, Sudan can support economic development, promote social cohesion, and lay the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future.
