Introducing... Impact of School Closures on Child Protection and Education Inequalities in Three Humanitarian Contexts

After much anticipation, we are excited to share the Impact of School Closures on Child Protection and Education Inequalities in Three Humanitarian Contexts Research Report and Advocacy Briefs. Along with the main research report, the Alliance and INEE also produced a complementary report on “Protecting Children During COVID-19 School Closures: Lessons from the Social Service Workforce in Three Humanitarian Contexts”. 

In March 2020, The World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed COVID-19 a global pandemic and governments acted quickly to close schools to stop the spread of the virus. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), school closures affected around 1.6 billion students in 169 nations, even into 2022. 

Our new research reports highlight the challenges children and communities faced and continue to face due to COVID-19 school closures. The study draws on qualitative data gathered in humanitarian contexts in three countries - Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Colombia - in order to comprehend how children have experienced the impact of COVID-19 school closures on their protection, well-being, and education. The report also includes recommendations for governments and global humanitarian actors to guide future infectious disease outbreaks and emergency response plans. 
 

In light of the findings from this research, the Alliance and INEE have also created global and country-specific advocacy briefs, which summarize the key findings and recommendations for action.

Coming Up! We are also launching a series of global Round Tables with children and youth as well as global actors to move the recommendations toward action in the coming months. Keep an eye out for more information on this exciting series coming soon!