Thread by @OmnaTigray

1.4M+ children in Tigray have not been to school for over a year as Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Amhara forces have used educational institutions as a base for military operations.

These forces have also looted books, computers + other resources and destroyed these institutions.

Educational institutions are considered “soft targets” since they are easy to attack and there is the potential for forces to inflict mass casualties.

Targeting children by destroying educational institutions thereby destroys the hope, ambitions + future of an entire community.

Almost 5,000 Tigrayan children have been separated from their parents and are facing challenges in obtaining basic needs such as food, sanitation, shelter, and education.

The Ministry of Education estimates that up to 25% of schools in the region are damaged.

“This is a protection crisis. What is emerging is a disturbing picture of severe and ongoing child rights violations. This is also an education + nutrition emergency, and I saw extensive destruction to the systems and essential services on which children rely.”

- @1james_elder

Schools have been vandalized with distressing anti-Tigrayan threats + statements. The walls of Atse Yohannes high school in Mekelle were covered in messages written in Amharic that said, “Tigray + snakes are the same. Tigray must be cleansed for the development of the country.”

Many university students throughout Tigray remain absent from classes, and some have been wounded or killed from artillery attacks. Additionally, academic staff members have been arrested or killed.

The destruction of educational institutions throughout Tigray has resulted in significant harm to children and youth education and well-being.

To end the destruction of educational institutions, the international community should demand the following actions immediately 👇🏾

More resources below. #TigrayCantWait