This week, France and Canada became the 58th and 59th countries to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration. Their support for the Declaration is a welcome addition to the growing community of countries demanding that schools be safe places for children, even during war.
By joining the declaration, countries pledge to restore access to education when schools are bombed, burned, and destroyed during armed conflict. They agree to deter violence by promising to investigate and prosecute war crimes involving schools, and to minimize the use of schools for military purposes so they do not become targets for attack.
France and Canada have a strong tradition of advocating for the protection of children during armed conflict. It’s time more countries followed suit.
