CONFERENCE REPORT The Oslo Conference on Safe Schools PROTECTING EDUCATION FROM ATTACK Oslo, Norway 28–29 May 2015 CONFERENCE REPORT The Oslo Conference on Safe Schools PROTECTING EDUCATION FROM ATTACK Oslo, Norway 28–29 May 2015 A conference that brought states together to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration and show their political commitment to protect education from attack, including by using the Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict. Published by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Internet: www.publikasjoner.dep.no E-mail:
[email protected] Phone: 22 24 00 00 Publication number: E-950 E Design: Gjerholm Design AS Cover photo: Frode O. Andersen/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oslo Photo page 17: Asgeir S. Brekke/Ministry of Defence, Oslo All other photos: Ragna M. Fjeld/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oslo 4 The Oslo Conference on Safe Schools Protecting Education from Attack 5 1 Introduction by the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Børge Brende As a result of armed conflict, 28 million children are currently out of school and are The Safe Schools Declaration is a political initiative to reduce the impact of conflict being denied their right to education. The military use of schools and universities on education. The Declaration endorses the Guidelines for Protecting Schools and has been documented in 25 conflict zones worldwide. These figures bear witness to Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict. The Guidelines provide practi- the devastating impact of armed conflict on children and young people. eW therefore cal guidance for the parties to conflicts, with a view to reducing the impact of armed welcomed the opportunity to convene the Oslo Conference on Safe Schools: Protect- conflict on schools and universities, on individual pupils and students, and on society ing Education from Attack on 28–29 May 2015.