UNHCR warns shrinking school access threatens refugee children, especially girls
The UN refugee agency said global funding cuts are reducing schooling options for displaced children, with secondary education for girls hit hardest.
UNHCR warned that ongoing cuts to humanitarian and development budgets are curtailing school availability for children on the move. The agency noted that while a majority of refugee children of primary-school age still attend classes, less than a third of those of secondary-school age are enrolled, with the gender gap widening at higher levels. Economic hardship, safety risks and practices like early marriage are increasingly forcing girls to leave school.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih emphasized that education provides both protection and future opportunities, and appealed to donor countries to boost funding for displaced learners. He stressed that without renewed investment, millions of refugee boys and girls could be denied the chance to continue their studies.
Why it matters
Education is essential for protecting displaced children and enabling their future independence.
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