Summary: This resolution condemns attacks on education settings, including violence against schools, sexual violence against children in schools, and recruitment of children into armed forces from schools. The resolution affirms U.S. government commitments to support education services for children affected by conflict and calls on the U.S. government to monitor attacks on education settings and to provide support for the inclusion of refugee children in host-country education systems. (Cosponsors)
ANGIE CRAIG’S POSITION: Representative Craig co-sponsored the bill on 09/01/20.
STATUS: Introduced 4/1/19 by Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-17]
INFORMATION RELATED TO THE RESOLUTION:
-
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17) and Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH1) introduced legislation (H.Res.277) to support access to safe, quality education for children in conflict settings. In such settings, children’s education is often disrupted, leaving them without access to critical services that support learning, health, and stability.
“The ability to access education in emergencies can be lifesaving,” said Congresswoman Lowey. “It protects children’s safety and well-being and can provide a pathway to peace that mitigates factors that can lead to future violence and displacement.”
“In many countries torn by conflict, it is far too easy for children, especially girls, to be ripped away from the classroom and denied the opportunity to access education,” Congressman Chabot said. “That is why I introduced the Protecting Girls’ Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings Act which became law in January, and why I am proud to join Congresswoman Lowey to introduce this Resolution which once again condemns attacks on children and their education.”
The introduction of this resolution comes at a time when 142 million children live in high-intensity conflict zones. In such situations, education settings are often deliberately targeted, with child abduction, violence, and other threats commonly used as tactics in conflict. This resolution affirms the U.S. Government’s commitment to support educational services for children affected by conflict and calls for it to take critical steps, including to:
- Hold perpetrators of attacks on schools, students, and teachers accountable.
- Support policies and programs to return refugee girls and boys to learning as soon as possible.
- Monitor attacks on schools, students, and teachers and to support coordinated diplomatic and programmatic responses.
ADDITIONAL DETAIL:
Link to the text of the resolution.
Link to resolution information on GovTrack.