In the northern regions of Ethiopia—especially Tigray and Amhara—the right to education is under critical threat. Years of conflict, instability, and displacement have stripped millions of children of their chance to learn. This unfolding humanitarian crisis represents not only a violation of basic human rights but also a direct assault on the future of an entire generation.
In Tigray, the numbers are staggering. More than 2.3 million children have been out of school for almost three years. A staggering 85% of schools are either fully or partially damaged due to the conflict. Teachers have gone unpaid for over two years, and most public schools remain closed. Despite the signing of a peace agreement, little progress has been made in restoring education services. The physical and psychological toll on students and educators alike is immense.
Meanwhile, in the Amhara region, the situation is no less alarming. Over 5 million children are currently missing out on education. Out of an expected 7 million students, only about 1.7 million enrolled for the 2024 school year—an enrolment rate of just 24%. Many schools have been turned into military outposts or shelters for displaced populations, leaving classrooms abandoned and unsafe for learning.
The crisis goes beyond disrupted education. In both regions, there have been serious human rights violations, including widespread reports of sexual violence, the militarization of school grounds, and the targeting of civilian infrastructure. These abuses not only traumatize victims but further erode community trust and hinder recovery efforts.
Public voices are increasingly calling attention to the situation. Dr. Tafere Melaku, Secretary General of the Forum for Higher Education Institutions in Amhara, recently emphasized that “millions are suffering, and there is a denial of basic necessities.” Similarly, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Irvin Massinga, noted that over 4.1 million students in Amhara alone have been displaced from education due to the escalating violence.
There is an urgent need for international action. Emergency funds must be allocated to rebuild schools, support alternative education methods, and provide trauma counseling for students and teachers. The use of schools for military purposes must be unequivocally condemned, and those responsible for human rights violations should be held accountable. More than ever, Ethiopia’s children need protection, investment, and hope.
Let us not allow the silence around this crisis to continue. Every child deserves access to safe, quality education—no matter where they are born.
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Sources:
Save the Children – More than 2.3 million children out of school in Northern Ethiopia
Amhara Advocacy Europe – Education Crisis in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region
AP News – Tigray conflict and sexual violence
Addis Standard – Lack of International Support for Amhara Crisis
East African Review – Students Displaced by Conflict in Amhara
