Education

UNHCR’s report finds that refugees are five times more likely to be out of school than the global average. Only 50 per cent of refugee children have access to primary education, compared with a global average of more than 90 per cent.

The gap widens as these children become older, with only 22 per cent of refugee adolescents attending secondary school compared to a global average of 84 per cent. At the higher education level, fewer than one per cent of refugees attend university, compared to 34 per cent at global level.

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Education is a basic human right, enshrined in the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 1951 Refugee Convention. It is also a vital aspect of our work at UNHCR.

Of the 16 million refugees under our care, 6 million are of school-going age between 5 and 17. Access to education for this marginalised group is limited. More than half, 3.7 million, have no school to go to. Some 1.75 million refugee children are not in primary school and 1.95 million refugee adolescents are not in secondary school.

Without the chance to study, an entire generation is at risk.

In times of displacement, education is crucial. It can foster social cohesion, provide access to life-saving information, address psychosocial needs, and offer a stable and safe environment for those who need it most. It also helps people to rebuild their communities and pursue productive, meaningful lives.

We partner with governments and international organisations to ensure quality and protective education for refugee children and young people everywhere, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4. Together, with your help, they can rebuild.