Myanmar Military Targets Schools in Karen Region

According to the Karen National Union, Myanmar’s military has systematically destroyed 34 schools in Karen-controlled areas over the past two years. The group’s education department states that these deliberate strikes have resulted in the deaths of 33 students and teachers, while leaving another 74 individuals injured. These incidents span all seven districts of the region, marking a sustained pattern of violence against educational institutions rather than isolated incidents.

The attacks, which occurred between September 2024 and September 2026, involved repeated airstrikes and artillery shelling. Officials note that forces specifically targeted areas where students were gathered, indicating a deliberate strategy to disrupt local education. This development follows the Karen National Union’s signing of the international Safe Schools Declaration in September 2024, a commitment aimed at safeguarding educational infrastructure during armed conflict.

Escalation Despite International Commitments

Despite the formal adoption of the Safe Schools Declaration, the Karen Education and Culture Department reports a marked surge in military strikes targeting schools in the two years following the commitment. Saw Thaw Thi, the department’s communications officer, emphasized that while 34 schools were recorded as attacked, several were targeted multiple times. He stated that the military’s actions on the ground directly contradict its public claims of seeking peace, highlighting a significant gap between diplomatic rhetoric and operational reality.

The group is calling on the international community to take decisive action to hold the junta accountable for these violations. The urgency of this appeal is underscored by broader global trends, as recent data suggests a widespread increase in attacks on education systems worldwide. Local advocates argue that without tangible consequences, the protection of civilians in conflict zones remains largely aspirational rather than operational.

Global Context of Educational Attacks

These findings align with a 2026 report by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, which documented a 50 percent global increase in attacks on educational institutions over the past two years. Myanmar ranks among the countries with the highest casualty rates in this category, reflecting the severity of the conflict in the region. The widespread nature of these attacks suggests a systemic failure to uphold international humanitarian law in various active conflict zones.

The situation in Karen territory serves as a stark example of how armed conflict erodes access to basic services, particularly education. As the number of displaced students grows, the long-term impact on the region’s social fabric and development prospects remains a critical concern. Observers note that the destruction of schools not only halts learning but also serves as a powerful symbol of the disruption inflicted by the ongoing military campaign.

Uncertain Path to Accountability

The forward outlook for accountability in Myanmar remains uncertain, with limited mechanisms currently in place to enforce compliance with international norms. Diplomatic efforts have so far failed to reverse the trend of attacks on civilian infrastructure, leaving local communities to manage the immediate aftermath without adequate support. The international community faces a critical decision on whether to prioritize these violations in broader geopolitical discussions.

What to watch next is whether new sanctions or diplomatic pressure will be introduced specifically targeting the military’s conduct in Karen territory. Additionally, the extent of international aid reaching displaced students and the potential for independent investigations into specific strikes will be key indicators of global engagement. The coming months will likely reveal whether the Safe Schools Declaration holds any practical weight in this context or remains a symbolic gesture.