Displaced International Statement on International Day of Education
On this International Day of Education, Displaced International (DI) joins the global community in reaffirming the transformative power of education, particularly for displaced populations, women, and girls who face systemic barriers to accessing this fundamental human right. As UNESCO has long asserted, education is not only a universal right but also a catalyst for sustainable development, peace, and prosperity. It is the cornerstone for achieving the vision we hold dear at Displaced International: a world where peace, coexistence, and tolerance replace war and violence, allowing resources to be directed toward sustainable human security needs.
“Having experienced life as an internally displaced person (IDP) and later as a refugee and asylum seeker, I have come to understand the transformative power of education. It is the foundation that enabled me to rise to the role of ambassador, representing my nation on the global stage, and to dedicate my work today to championing the rights of displaced populations across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Education has been the bedrock of my journey, and it is a basic human right that must never be denied to any displaced individual—whether child, youth, woman, or man,” said Ambassador M. Ashraf Haidari, Founder and President of DI.
Today, we draw urgent attention to the plight of displaced populations worldwide, especially in countries like Afghanistan, where millions of children—and disproportionately girls—have been deprived of formal education due to decades of conflict, poverty, and sociopolitical instability. The situation for Afghan girls is particularly dire, as restrictions on their access to education threaten not only their futures but the progress of their communities and nation. Girls’ education is not merely an investment in individual potential; it is a cornerstone for resilient and prosperous societies. According to the United Nations, every additional year of schooling increases a girl’s future earnings by up to 20%, and educated women are more likely to contribute to peacebuilding efforts in post-conflict settings.
Yet, the barriers to education are not confined to Afghanistan. Displaced children and youth worldwide, including those in refugee camps, urban slums, and conflict zones, continue to be excluded from quality education due to resource constraints, discriminatory policies, and systemic neglect. These barriers undermine the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Displaced International is committed to addressing these challenges by collaborating with local aid organizations, donor communities, academics, and displaced leaders who understand the lived realities of educational deprivation. Together, we advocate for inclusive policies, increased funding for education in emergencies, and innovative solutions such as digital learning platforms that transcend geographical and logistical barriers.
Education is more than a means of escaping poverty; it is a pathway to peace and reconciliation. By educating displaced children and youth, we empower them to rebuild their lives, contribute to their host communities, and become ambassadors of coexistence and tolerance. For girls and young women, education is a lifeline that protects them from early marriage, exploitation, and violence, enabling them to lead their families and societies toward a brighter future.
As we observe the International Day of Education, let us reaffirm our commitment to leaving no child behind. We call on governments, international organizations, and private sector partners to prioritize education for displaced populations and advocate for the rights of girls and women to learn, grow, and lead. Together, we can transform education from a distant aspiration into a reality for millions, cultivating the hope and resilience needed to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
Join us in signing our global petition to help end gender apartheid—a major driver of forced displacement in Afghanistan, where girls and women are denied access to secondary and medical education, among other fundamental human rights.
